Polk Middle girls make it two in a row, top Brevard Middle

Polk County Middle’s girls basketball team is now on a winning streak.

The Wolverines won their second straight game on Monday, pulling away in the second half to defeat Brevard Middle 29-23 in a Blue Ridge Conference matchup at Polk Middle.

Brevard Middle (1-4) led much of the first half, but Brianna Gray hit a short jumper just before the halftime buzzer to cut the Devils’ lead to 13-12.

The Wolverines (2-3) grabbed the lead midway through the third period as Bailey Staton hit a 3-pointer for a 17-15 edge, then took the lead for good on baskets by Kylie Lewis and Gray for a 21-17 edge at period’s end.

Sarah Gray’s 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave Polk a 24-19 advantage, and Brianna Gray followed with a free throw and a basket to up the lead to 27-19. Lewis added a basket late in the quarter to squelch any thoughts Brevard had of a comeback.

“We fought hard,” said Polk Middle head coach Brian Taylor. “We played pretty good defense, and some people hit some shots that they had been missing in previous games,

“We were aggressive on offense and we got to the foul line, which helps. Everbody played a well-rounded game.”

Brianna Gray scored nine points to lead Polk Middle, with Lewis scoring six. Sarah Gray had five points, with Mia Bradley scoring four, Staton adding three and Gavionna Carson scoring two.

The Wolverines are back in action on Thursday, traveling to Rugby Middle.