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The Knoxville Girls took command early and never gave Oskaloosa a chance to ruin the party as the Panthers won their first ever outright Little Hawkeye Conference Championship last night defeating the Indians 62-33. The Panthers methodically built a six point lead after the first quarter to 13 by halftime and the final margin of 29. Knoxville also limited Oskaloosa to single digits in all quarters, something Coach Jim Utiermarkt sets as a goal for his team each night out. Knoxville improves to 19-1 on the season and wins the Little Hawkeye Conference with a 13-1 record. The girls host Bondurant-Farrar tonight for their senior night.

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The Knoxville boys were close again last night but a turnover with 11 seconds to play and the Panthers trailing by two points allowed Oskaloosa to escape with a 51-47 win. Jamie Vander Veer had tied the game with a three with just under a minute remaining but Osky was perfect on four free throw attempts in the final 30 seconds of play to seal the win. Coach Brad McWilliams disappointed with the loss…was happy with how gave themselves a chance to win. Knoxville goes to 4-14 on the season and finishes Little Hawkeye Conference play at 3-11.