Wolverines’ upset bid denied as Cougars pull away for win

HENDERSONVILLE – Polk County’s upset train finally ran out of steam.

Mountain Heritage reeled off 21 of the final 22 points Thursday night, pulling away to defeat the Wolverines 59-37 in the semifinals of the Western Highlands Conference tournament at Hendersonville High School.

Two nights after eliminating second-seeded Owen, Polk County (8-16) battled third-seeded Mountain Heritage on even terms for three and a half quarters, leading early in the fourth quarter and trailing just 38-36 with 4:43 remaining.

But the impact of playing a third game in four nights began to take a toll on Polk County, with missed shots and turnovers mounting. The Cougars scored 12 points in just over two minutes, including a 10-of-10 effort at the foul line, to take a 50-36 lead that steadily grew until the final buzzer.

Mountain Heritage held Polk to six points in the final quarter, including just two baskets.

“The levee finally broke there,” said Polk County head coach Josh McEntire. “They were able to extend us and we missed some shots. Their shots started to fall, and they got up too far for us to stay in our zone.

“We had to switch to man, and we don’t match up well with them.”

Points were at a premium most of the night. Polk County led 9-7 at the end of the first quarter, but had a stretch of more than nine minutes in the first and second quarters without scoring a basket. Yet the Wolverines never trailed by more than seven points, and pulled to within 21-20 at the half on a Saquan Miller three-point play with 17 seconds left.

The Cougars kept the lead throughout the third period, but couldn’t shake Polk County. The Wolverines closed the period with a 6-2 run to make it 31-30 entering the fourth.

Jaron Bontrager then opened the fourth period with a 3-pointer to give Polk a 33-31 lead. Heritage would soon answer, then fashion its game-ending run.

“We struggled big time offensively,” McEntire said. “The kids who usually make shots weren’t making shots. Playing three games in four nights is tough.

“We had a two-minute spurt there (in the fourth quarter) when we had several shots go in and out. Then we got down and had to try to scramble and make some things happen.”

Anthony Carson scored 11 points in what was likely his final game, with Polk County not expected to earn an at-large playoff berth. Jaylin Hines added 10 points.

Avery Austin scored 22 points to lead Mountain Heritage.

Polk County Scoring
Anthony Carson 11, Jaylin Hines 10, Saquan Miller 6, Jaron Bontrager 5, Jordan Smith 3, Jamal Tanner 2