Polk versus Avery

Wikipedia defines the term “buzzer beater” as “a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer sounds.” Those in attendance at Polk’s game Wednesday, however need no explanation as Polk’s Ben Stockdale sunk one to defeat Avery 51 -50.

One of the most, hotly contested games played at Polk in recent memory, the same included a technical foul on the Avery coach, players hurt on hard fouls and a general “no love lost” atmosphere between the players throughout the game.

The Wolverines held a 38-32 lead going into the fourth quarter on a team that had beaten them by 20 in the previous meeting. You could sense that Avery would make a final run at the Wolverines and they did. However, after Avery uncharacteristically missed four free throws in the final minutes, it all came down to one last play.

With 7 seconds left Polk was down 49-50 and had to go the length of the court. The coaches drew up a play and it worked. But probably not exactly as planned. Stockdale inbounded the ball to Jamal Tanner who drove the length of the court putting up a shot with 2 seconds on the clock. Stockdale following on the play grabbed the rebound and put up a high shot that touched the top of the backboard and fell through as the buzzer sounded.

Polk County 10; 13; 15; 13 – 51

Avery 11; 11; 10; 18 – 50

Polk: Miller 15 (nine rebounds), Stockdale 14 (11 rebounds), Philpott 7, Carson 7, Hines 5 and Tanner 3 (7 assists).

Polk is 10-12 overall and  6-6 in conference. They play at Owen on Friday. The winner will receive the final 2A playoff spot for the WHC.