In the season’s third conference game Friday, Jan. 4 the Polk County Wolverines defeated the visiting Mitchell Mountaineers 76-64.

Anthony Carson led the way with 21 points, but the Wolverines had four players in double figures. Alec Philpott and Saquan Miller both had 12 points and Jordan Smith added 10, primarily in a critical fourth-quarter stretch.

Polk led at half time 44-32 and, although Mitchell closed the gap several times, the Wolverines were able to maintain a double digit lead most of the second half.

Coach Josh McEntire liked the effort and focus of the team.

“Offensively we did the things we wanted to do; we pushed the ball we attacked the basket and took good shots. Defensively we are still not getting back and rotating as a team on every possession … so we need to keep working on defense. We have to make free throws; we were 9 of 25 from the free throw line. Overall  I was pleased with the performance.”

Coach McEntire used a variety of combinations and lineups during the game and is pleased with the flexibility that provides continuing in conference play.

“It gives us a lot of options having kids like Jordan Smith and Saquan Miller that can play 3 (small forward) through 5 (center) … Also bringing Wes Mullis up (from the JV team) has given us three big men inside which gives more options. It allows us to play Todd (Yoder) and Ben (Stockdale) together, which works well at times.”

Game Stats:

Polk County: 22 22 18 14;—76

Mitchell: 15 17 16 16;—64

Polk — Anthony Carson 21,  Alec Philpott 12,  Saquan Miller 12,  Jordan Smith 10, Tanner  9, Stockdale 7, Yoder 5.

Mitchell had three players in double figures with Willis 20, S. McKinney 10, Forbes 11,

Polk is now 5-8, and 1-2 in the WHC. Next game: is tonight at Avery County which has an identical 1-2 record with the conference. Polk County is currently averaging 59.9 points, 14.8 assists,  3 blocks , 31.1 rebounds and 13.9 steals per game, according to MaxPreps.com.