Knoxville raced out of the gates early in the girls game and had to hand on for the 56-52 win over Albia last night while the boys headed off the Blue Demons 70-62 in a double header heard live on AM 1320 and 95.3 KNIA. The Panther girls would race out of an 18-8 lead midway through the first quarter only to see that lead disappear to a 29-27 deficit at the half. Albia would get the lead to as high as six before Knoxville would tie at the end of three quarters, then clutch plays down the stretch by Freshmen Maggie Wilkins, Marley McKay and Sophomore Katie Keitges sealed the four point win. Coach Jim Uitermarkt told KNIA/KRLS Sports the defense needs work, and it optimistic improvements will be made. Keitges had 20 points while Wilkins had 18 to lead Knoxville to go to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in the South Central Conference. The Panther boys did it with defense as they allowed Albia just two made field goals the first half to build a seven point lead. The Blue Demons hung around with free throw shooting getting all but six of their 19 points at halftime from the free throw line. The Demons clawed back to within four numerous times but Knoxville never allowed them any closer. Ben Wallace led a balanced scoring attack for Knoxville with 15 points, Patrick Crawford had 13 while Jacob Zuck scored 11. Knoxville is 1-0 on the season and same for the conference. Both boys and girls squads are off until Saturday when they host Oskaloosa.

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