Slow down and play a half-court game? Polk County Middle School’s girls basketball squad can, assures head coach Brandy Alm.
Just don’t actually expect the Wolverines to do so very often.
“We do have some (half-court plays), I promise we do,” Alm said. “We’re such a fast team, and when you have Autumn Owen or Karli Wood who can get a rebound and go the length of the court for a layup, we’re going to push the ball up the floor. We’re that athletic.”
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
And so it appears that Alm, fresh off leading Polk County’s volleyball squad to an undefeated season and Blue Ridge Middle School Conference championship, has another potential title threat in hand. Polk Middle opened its season Monday with a 33-18 win over Canton Middle School, pulling away in the second half with pressure defense and that fast-break mentality.
Five returning players, including captains Owen, Wood and Maranda Gosnell, form the core of the Wolverine squad, but Alm expects a number of players to see significant time. Eighth graders Bella Marino and Haley Fowler and seventh graders Ansley Lynch and Makayla Staley will also be key contributors this season.
“With the type of game we play, pressing, running the ball like we do, we’re going to run a lot of girls in and out,” Alm said. “We’re definitely going to play seven or eight, easy
“Karli Wood and Autumn Owen, they can play one, two, three or four (all spots but center). When you have hard-nosed players like that, you want them to play everywhere.”
Seventh graders Paulina Harden, Kiri Ashley and Rachel Raposa and eighth graders Rylee McDowell and Makalia Hall round out the roster.
“They play smart basketball,” Alm said. “We’re still building the foundation, but we’re doing a lot of good things. By the end of the season, I think you’re going to see amazing things out of these girls.”
