The Polk County mens basketball team found highs and lows in front of the home crowd on Tuesday night against Mitchell, but eventually lost the conference matchup 66-61.

We just couldnt get over that hump, head coach Josh McEntire said.

The Wolverines jumped out to a 5-2 early lead with a Stephen Staley bucket and a Shawn Berry three,but the Mountaineers went on an 11-2 run, which set the tone for the game for much of the night.

At times the Mountaineers were cold and the Wolverines&bsp; surged, but Mitchell then went on another streak.

For most of the first half, the Wolverines couldnt get past that 10-point mark on the Mountaineer heels.

The second half brought hope, however. The Wolverines were down 33-24 at the half, but by the end of the third quarter had closed the game to 45-41. The start of the fourth quarter looked as though the momentum had shifted.

Jay Sutton led the way with an assist, a bucket and a free throw to give the Wolverines a 46-45 lead. Mitchell responded with another 11-2 run. The Wolverines had two opportunities in the waning seconds to tie the game, but the two possessions both ended in turnovers.

We gotta learn to play all four quarters, McEntire said. We gotta learn to play with intensity.

The second half showed the potential for his team, but the hump couldnt be crossed.

We played our guts out in the second half, he said.

One weapon that might help the Wolverines get over that hump took a step forward in his progress on Tuesday night. Senior point guard Andre Overholt was dressed and warmed up with the team on the floor before the game. The guard is expected back after the break when the schedule resumes.