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Andrews opened an early double-digit lead Wednesday and held on to defeated a depleted Polk County team, 52-48, in the consolation round of the Maroon Devil Christmas Classic in Bryson City.

The Wolverines dropped to 5-4 with the loss. Polk County would normally have faced Brevard on Thursday in another consolation game, but given that the teams have two conference games to come, that matchup won’t be played.

Andrews (4-6) hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter in building a 21-9 lead at the end of the first period and a 34-21 lead at halftime.

The Wolverines, playing without Antonio Simpson and Kanye Staley, fought back and trimmed the deficit to single digits in the second half, but could get no closer.

Kris Littlejohn led Polk County with 16 points, with Dominique Carson and Mackus Simpson each scoring 12. Vincent Twitty added seven, with Lawson Carter scoring three, Brandon West adding two and Wayne Carson scoring one.

Polk County returns to the court on Tuesday, hosting R-S Central in a Mountain Foothills 7 Conference clash that will be shown live on NFHS Network.