The McMinn Central girls, one of the state’s top-rated girls teams, wiped out a first-quarter lead by the Wildkittens and went on to an impressive 72-40 win. The Wildcats played even with the homestanding Chargers for three quarters, but slipped behind in the final quarter for a 63-5 3 loss.
Friday’s games:
Lady Chargers 72, Wildkittens 40
The Polk County girls, behind the scoring of center Mcclain Yowarsky, grabbed a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter ... but it was McMinn Central the rest of the way.
The Lady Chargers quickly erased the Wildkittens’ lead in the second quarter, outscored the visitors 21-12 and enjoyed a 31-26 advantage at halftime.
Polk County managed only five points in the third quarter as the home team dashed in front by 18 at 49-31. A 23-9 edge in the final eight minutes left no doubt as to the game’s winner.
Jenna Adams sparked the McMinn County offense with 19 points, while Elizabeth Massengill got 14. Alisa Guardiola added 13 and Sidni Williams got 12 in a very balanced scorebook.
Yowarsky was the only Wildkitten in double figures, with 15. The Polk County girls are 18-6 after the loss.
Chargers 63, Wildcats 53
McMinn Central scooted in front at the end of the first quarter, 17-14, but Polk County caught up to tie the score at halftime, 29-29.
The score continued close through the third period, but the Chargers picked up the pace with 20 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Hayden Cherry guided the Chargers to victory, scoring 21 points with seven 3-pointers. Scott Moses added 12 and Wesley Davis had 10.
Guard Alex Akins sparked the Wildcats in scoring with 21 points, while center Logan Brewer contributed 17. Brewer also had 12 rebounds.
The Wildcats will take a 9-16 record into Monday’s home makeup game with Walker Valley.
Game Summaries
Girls
Polk County 14 12 5 9 — 40
McMinn Central 10 21 18 23 — 72
Wildkittens (40) — Richmond 4, Wilson 9, Silvers 6, Miles, Webb 2, Qualls 4, Lee, Greer, Mcclain Yowarsky 15,
Lady Chargers (72) — Webb, Jenna Adams 19, Johnson 3, Sidni Williams 12, Casteel 7, Young, Alisa Guardiola 13, Elizabeth Massengill 14, Coward, Giles, Torbett 4, M. Williams.
3-pointers: Polk County 3; McMinn Central 8.
Records: Polk County 18-6.
Boys
Polk County 14 15 13 11 — 53
McMinn Central 17 12 14 20 — 63
Wildcats (53) — Cheatham, Alex Akins 21, Burger 3, Young 3, Raper 1, Logan Brewer17, Ball 8.
Chargers (63) — Ward 2, Hayden Cherry 21, Webb 6, Trew 7, Wesley Davis 10, Scott Moses 12, Miller 5.
3-pointers: Polk County 5 (Akins 2, Ball 2, Young); McMinn County 9 (Cherry 7, Webb 2).
Records: Polk County 9-16 and 1-6 in 5-AA.
