Knoxville ran out to a 20-7 first quarter lead and had to hang on and survive a three-point attempt at the buzzer to preserve a season opening 59-56 girls basketball win over P-C-M last night. The Panther’s inside game dominated early on as Knoxville fed Ricki Hall for 11 first quarter points. P-C-M however, kept chipping away at the lead all game by forcing 21 Knoxville turnovers and living at the free throw line going 22/31. Knoxville Coach Jim Utiermarkt said the start was outstanding, however, he tells KNIA/KRLS Sports the trick now is to sustain the good starts. Meanwhile P-C-M Coach Bret Grier said Knoxville’s domination in the paint plus a 13 point hole was a little much to get out of. Knoxville was led by Rickie Hall’s 17 points while Meredith Cunningham had 12. Courtney Van Houweling led P-C-M with 16 points and Rachel Gulling contributed 14. Knoxville is 1-0 and will have nearly a week-and-a-half off until its next game on December third with Albia, P-C-M starts off 0-1 and heads to Nevada on Tuesday.

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