The Wolverines were hoping to follow up their first conference win versus Mitchell with another against Avery County. It was obvious from the beginning the Vikings had other ideas, as they came out focused and outscored the Wolverines early.

At one point in the second quarter Polk was down 20-5 and, although they played better the rest of the game, the end result was a 73-52 loss.

Coach Josh McEntire had high praise for Avery.

“They just outplayed us in every phase of the game, they had 10 kids that all came out and did their job; the executed their game plan, they played hard and took it to us for four quarters,” McEntire said.

McEntire once again emphasized the need for consistent team play particularly on the defensive end of the floor.

“If one or two people are not doing their job … we are going to (continue) to give up easy baskets,” he said.

Game stats:

Avery County 73, Polk County 52

Polk: 5; 15 ; 17; 15;—;52

Avery: 15; 16; 22; 20;—;73

Polk: Alec Philpott 12, Saquan Miller 11, Anthony Carson 8, Jaylin Hines 7, Jordan Smith 4, Jamal Tanner 4, Ben Stockdale 2, Todd Yoder 2

Avery: Luke Wittell 18, Shea Buchanan 11, Dylan Bauer 10, Watson 8, Stewart 8, Jackson 7,

Tonight’s game versus Thomas Jefferson

The Wolverines will take on the Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson once again away from home. They have the same 1-3 conference record as Polk having beat Mitchell as well.  It should be a close contest.

“They have a new coach and a good nucleus of guards coming back that can handle the ball and they play really hard,” McEntire said. “It’s on the road and it’s a tough gym to play in because it is very small, the goals are different etc.”

When asked about the Gryphons style of play McEntire was adamant the Wolverines have to focus on playing their game.

“We’ve got to come ready to play. I’m worrying about how we execute and what we do; playing defense the way we need to play. If we will worry about us good things will happen,” McEntire said.

Record: Polk, 5-9, 1-3 WHC.