Polk County Middle head girls basketball coach Brandy Alm loves the talent her current squad possesses. She loves their desire and determination even more.
The latter proved especially handy Monday as the Wolverines overcame a slow start to defeat Apple Valley 30-14 in Blue Ridge Middle School Conference play at Polk Middle.
Polk County (4-0) held a 9-4 halftime lead, scoring just two points in the second quarter. But led by Autumn Owen and defensive pressure that forced turnovers that turned into layups, Polk pulled away in the third period, holding Apple Valley scoreless until 1:48 remained in the quarter. Polk led 19-6 at that point, and Owen scored three more points and Haley Fowler two to up the margin to 24-6 before the Knights got a late basket.
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Polk then opened the fourth period with three baskets in the first half of the period to build a 30-8 lead. The Knights scored the game’s final six points to account for the final margin.
“We didn’t play our best game tonight, especially in the first half,” Alm said. “We use our defense to create offensive opportunities, and tonight, we just weren’t with it.
“But we came back in the third quarter and played like we know how to do.”
Owen had 11 points to lead Polk Middle, who travel to Hendersonville Middle School on Thursday.
“They’re fighters. They get down on themselves, but they pick back up and start playing,” Alm said of her squad. “That’s the sign of a good team. There are good things to come.”
Polk County Scoring
Autumn Owen 11, Maranda Gosnell 7, Karli Wood 6, Haley Fowler 4, Makayla Staley 2
