After a pair of lopsided losses to open the season, Polk Middle’s girls basketball team has found a formula for winning.
The Wolverines employed that recipe once again Thursday, shutting down Brevard Middle in the final quarter to pull away for a 29-23 victory in a Blue Ridge Conference East Division clash at Polk.
The win is the third straight for the Wolverines (3-2) and keeps them tied atop the East Division standings with Hendersonville Middle. After losing by 20-plus points to Smoky Mountain Middle and Canton Middle to open the season, Polk Middle has steadied itself with a focused approach on the basics.
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
“Definitely fundamental stuff,” said Polk Middle coach Seth Taylor. “Being able to shoot free throws, conditioning, finishing at the basket. The biggest thing we need to work on is boxing out. That’s a problem that we need to work on.
“But I’m happy with how they’re shooting outside, I’m happy with how they’re attacking the basket. I feel like our guards have stepped up. Overall, just happy that we’ve won three in a row.”
Brevard Middle (2-3) kept Thursday’s game close throughout the first three quarters. Neither team could open any type of advantage, and the teams finished the second and third quarters tied, with the scoreboard at 21-21 entering the final period.
Kenzie Alm’s long jumper with 4:30 remaining gave Polk the lead, and Camdyn Israel-Garrett extended it with a three-point play at the 2:33 mark, taking a nice pass in transition from Kenley Savaia and scoring while being fouled. Her free throw upped the lead to 26-21.
Savaia scored on a putback and Alm hit a free throw with 58 seconds left to make it a 29-21 lead and cap an 8-0 run that sealed the victory. Holding Brevard scoreless for more than five minutes epitomized the type of defense that the Wolverines have been playing during their winning streak.
“Our press is definitely healthy and causing a lot of turnovers,” Taylor said. “Kenzie and Kenley, they’ve definitely stepped up and helped with stealing the ball, attacking on fast breaks.”
Alm had 11 points and Garrett finished with 10 to lead Polk Middle. Lucy Tessnair added four points, with Savaia and Preslie Bradley each scoring two.
Polk Middle will hit the road Monday, traveling to face Flat Rock Middle in a 4:30 p.m. matchup.
