The daily mantra for Polk County’s girls basketball team is continued improvement, both individually and as a team.

The Wolverines’ persistence in staying true to that focus is why head coach Brandy Alm thinks better days are ahead for the squad.

Polk County didn’t get a win Friday, falling 57-31 to Mitchell in a Western Highlands Conference meeting at Polk. The Mountaineers (4-2, 1-0) built a 20-2 lead early in the second period and led by 26 at halftime before the two teams played on even terms in the second half.

Those final two quarters showed why Alm calls this team one of her favorites. Despite the halftime deficit, the Wolverines (0-8, 0-3) played just as hard at game’s end as at the beginning.

“They never give up. That’s kind of their thing,” Alm said. “They always play hard and never give up.

“They’re continuously learning new things individually. Each player has set goals for themselves for the season, and they’re working toward those every day. We’re not lowering our expectations. We’re going to continue keep working and keep improving and I believe we’re going to surprise some teams in the second half of the season.”

Autumn Owen scored 16 points to lead Polk County, with Ansley Lynch adding eight. Bella Marino finished with four while Anna McFadden scored two and Kiri Ashley added a point.

Polk County begins play Dec. 28 in the Knights Christmas Tournament, facing North Buncombe in its opening game.

– article submitted by PolkSports.com