As Polk County begins building for next season, the Wolverines got a good look Friday at the model for Western Highlands Conference success.

A sharp Avery squad, still smarting from the end last week of its 58-game WHC winning streak, handed Polk County an 81-40 setback Friday in a conference matchup at Polk.

The Vikings (15-4, 5-1) trailed just once in the game, that at 5-3 with 5:35 left in the first quarter. UNC Asheville-bound guard Deacon Heath then gave Avery the lead with a 3-pointer, sparking a 22-4 run over the remainder of the quarter.

Avery built the lead to 46-25 at the half and added to the margin in the final quarter.

“We’re just working,” said Polk County head coach Antoni Staley. “This is a work in progress.”

The Wolverines dropped to 2-15, 0-6 with the loss.

Clark Phipps scored 17 points to pace Polk County, with Markell Lipscomb scoring nine. Kiyon Staley finished with five points, Javontae Miller and Jason Fox each added four and Sedric Pickett had one point for the Wolverines.

Heath finished with a game-high 26 points, including four 3-pointers, for Avery.

Polk County returns to action on Monday, traveling to Mitchell for another WHC matchup.

– submitted by PolkSports.com