Senior class has led Polk County boys' basketball program's meteoric rise

Polk County coach Jon Tucker instructs the Wildcats between quarters in Monday's game against Tellico Plains. Polk County is 15-3 overall. / Staff photo by Robin Rudd
Polk County coach Jon Tucker instructs the Wildcats between quarters in Monday's game against Tellico Plains. Polk County is 15-3 overall. / Staff photo by Robin Rudd

Before the current group of seniors arrived, the Polk County High School boys' basketball program had averaged just 8.7 wins in 15 years, with only one winning season - 18-13 in 2005-06.

But seniors Tim Burgess, Luke Burrows, Eli Cross, Kevin Dodd and Josh Groomes have emblazoned their mark. Off to a dominant start this season, Polk County (15-3, 6-1 District 5-AA) has secured a third winning season in the last four years.

"Our seniors know we have to fight for everything we get," Wildcats coach Jon Tucker said. "They have made this season so special and really have played their roles extremely well since they got here. Everything has come together, and it is their spotlight. Our younger guys - Caleb Milen, Tannar Patterson and Jonah Adams - have also accepted their responsibilities, and the pieces have been rolling."

While success is handled with maturity, Tucker admits every win is fun and his group celebrates them all. All involved know how hard the journey has been to get the Wildcats where they are.

A fourth-year starter, Burrows averages 19 points and 3.5 steals per game while also being a double-double machine standing just 6 feet tall. He's headed to Tennessee Wesleyan University to play both baseball and basketball, but he's focused now on Polk's success.

"Everyone around me has been working extremely hard, and that really motivates. I love to compete and win," Burrows said. "I believe we can be a team that everyone remembers. We had high expectations for ourselves this year, but every game matters. All of this couldn't be done without all of our guys. Playing as a team has helped us get this far."

The Wildcats have an aggressive style of play, as they like to get the ball and go. The first open shot is often the best look, and everyone has the green light to pull the trigger, Tucker said. They have surpassed 80 points four times this season.

Groomes led the team in scoring with 16 points in Monday's win over Tellico Plains in which six Wildcats made a 3-pointer. Burrows, Milen and Patterson registered double-doubles as they worked hard to clean up the rebounds on both ends.

The Wildcats have been stellar at getting offensive rebounds this season, while Milen has enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign as a scorer. The 6-foot-1 slasher who missed most of last season has averaged 17 points per game this season and had 32 in a one-point win over Sequoyah.

"We all worked really hard over the summer and had success on our select teams," Milen said. "One of our goals is to be the best you have to beat the best. My teammates have taught me to trust the process. They have been through a lot. They are helping me a ton, and I appreciate them."

Playing all-out from opening tip until the final buzzer, this gritty group of players hopes to make this a truly historic season. For one thing, the Wildcats want to avenge their seven-point road loss to district opponent Sweetwater at home in Benton on Feb. 7.

They already have created a legacy of turning the tide for a once-struggling program.

"This is a fun time in Polk County basketball," Tucker said. "It's great for the city of Benton and everybody below the mountain. This group has great leaders. I am proud to be a Polk County Wildcat, and I know they are, too."

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

Upcoming Events