Polk County’s men used a late-game full-court trap defense effectively against visiting Mountain Heritage on Friday, Dec. 18 but the Cougars had already built a sizable lead that Polk was unable to close, as Mountain Heritage prevailed, 63-54.

The Wolverines are now 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the Western Highlands Conference. Mountain Heritage is now 4-3 and 2-0, respectively.

“We had a terrible second quarter,” lamented Polk Head Coach Josh McEntire, noting that the Wolverines have suffered with a bad quarter in most games this season.

In that second quarter, the Cougars outscored Polk, 18-7, extending their one-point lead after the first quarter.

However, McEntire also pointed out, “We fought like crazy.” He said that before the game, he told his players they needed to make more free throws (they were a bit off at 25 of 38 on Friday), and make more close shots under the hoop.

In the final quarter Polk outscored the Cougars, 16-12, largely through that full-court trap.

“It gave them (the Cougars) fits at times,” McEntire pointed out.

On the other hand, when the visitors went on an earlier nine-point run, “That killed us,” McEntire admitted.

“Our game plan worked,” McEntire continued. “We stayed aggressive, and attacked the rim.”

While Polk dominated the defensive boards, the Wolverines often couldn’t seem to get the handle on the ball, allowing the Cougars to keep shooting. Not cashing in on enough close shots was more the result of a great Cougar defense.

Polk is competing in the Dec. 21-23 Cherokee Holiday Tournament. First match up was against Asheville. Results were not available at press time.

On Jan. 5, the Wolverines host WHC rival Avery County.