Two conference wins in succession (Jan. 12 and 14) boosted Polk County’s women’s varsity basketball record to 9-6 overall, and 3-3 in the Western Highlands
Conference.

After defeating Owen, 52-37 last Wednesday (Jan. 12), the Wolverines went on the road to knock off Hendersonville, 47-34.

At Hendersonville, Hayley Kropp scored 16, grabbed nine rebounds, fed four assists and picked the Bearcats’ pockets for six steals. Kara Overholt added 13 points and four assists, while Sarah Phipps, back with a vengeance, scored nine while grabbing 18 (you read that correctly) rebounds.

Polk essentially won the game in the first quarter, blowing the Bearcats out of the gym, 19-2. However, the Bearcats returned, and essentially returned the favor in the second quarter, outscoring the Wolverines, 14-3. Polk held a 22-16 half-time lead, and outscored the Bearcats by three in the third and four in the fourth, to seal the win.

Against Owen at Columbus last Wednesday, Polk also caught fire early, with deadly shooting and board-clearing fury, leading the Warhorses, 15-6 after eight minutes.

Hayley Kropp, who tied for the game’s high scoring, with 17 points (plus 17 rebounds, was a major contributor. Kara Overholt matched Kropp with 17 points, and added six assists, with Sarah Phipps scoring 10 and hauling down 11 rebounds. Autumn Owen added five points.

Kropp, who all but donned a pair of wings, was everywhere, especially around the ball.

A big lead allowed the Wolverines to control the tempo of the game, taking more deliberate shots.

Each team scored eight in the second quarter, to give the Wolverines a 23-14 lead at the half. They each scored ten in the third quarter. With the help of shooting the lights out from the foul line Polk outscored the Warhorses, 19-13 in the final period.

“We were trying to dictate the tempo of the game,” Polk coach Brandy Alm announced afterward, “as opposed to letting our opponents set the tempo. We were more patient on offense. We went inside, which we’ve been working on all season.”

Conference action continues Tuesday evening (Jan. 20), when the Wolverines travel to Madison. The Patriots won the teams’ last meeting, 47-35.

Wednesday evening (Jan. 21) features West Henderson at Polk, with conference rival Mountain Heritage visiting Columbus on Friday (Jan. 23).