Polk County High School’s men’s basketball team continued to play without Jamal Tanner, yet nearly came back against Hendersonville, dropping a 71-67 contest at home on Friday, Jan. 17.

“We missed way too many easy shots,” Coach Josh McEntire said. “We made way too many turnovers in the open court.”

The Wolverines’ are 4-9 overall, and 0-5 in the conference. McEntire knew what his team was up against, facing the Bearcats’ 6’7” Cody Westmoreland, but he recognized his own team’s effort.

“Saquan (Miller) played great on defense and gave up five inches (to Westmoreland),” McEntire said.

He noted that while Westmoreland scored 31 points, he’s been racking up big scores all year and did no better against the Wolverines.

“When you have a 6’7” kid, he takes away a lot of your mistakes on defense and a lot of your mistakes on offense,” McEntire said.

Polk kept it close during the first half, looking at a 33-27 deficit. In the second half, the Wolverines’ stubborn play kept it close most of the way, but they couldn’t overcome the Bearcats’ lead.

In the third quarter, Miller’s three-pointer from the top of the key cut the visitors’ lead to 51-45, and Polk added two more to close the third quarter, 51-47.

It was much the same in the final quarter. At one point Hendersonville led 60-51, but Anthony Carson hit two of two from the free-throw line on a technical foul.

Soon after, Wes Mullis banged in two to make it 62-55. With about a minute and a half to go, Jaron Bontrager’s bucket brought Polk to within six again, but the Bearcats opened the score to 70-61.

Polk clawed back to within four points before the buzzer ended the game.

Regardless of the final, McEntire praised his team’s effort.

“We kept fighting like crazy,” he acknowledged. “We keep that effort up, and get some people back, we’re going to be tough.”

McEntire expected Tanner to return to action this week.

Last Wednesday, North Henderson topped Polk, 77-69.

Tonight (Tuesday), Polk hosts conference rival Madison.

On Friday, Jan. 24 the Wolverines visit Mountain Heritage. They host Mitchell on Jan. 28.