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.