Madison Middle pulled away in the second half Wednesday to hand Polk County Middle a 23-14 setback in girls basketball action at Polk.

The Patriots held the Wolverines to just four points in the second half to earn victory in the season opener for both teams.

Polk Middle took a 5-4 lead at the end of the first period, only to see Madison open the second quarter 6-0, grabbing a 10-5 lead. Three free throws by Mia Bradley and a Kayleigh Wilson basket helped Polk pull within 12-10 at halftime.

But that would be as close as the Wolverines would get. Polk did cut the Madison lead to 16-12 entering the fourth period on an Ada Kelley basket, but the Patriots held Polk scoreless until 1:29 remained in the game to seal the win.

Wilson led Polk County with six points, with Bradley and Caroline Taylor each scoring three and Kelley adding two.

Polk Middle hosted Apple Valley on Thursday in another Blue Ridge Conference clash.

– Submitted by PolkSports.com