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The Knoxville boys turned up the defense and knocked of Chariton last night in the first round of the Class 3A boys district 42-37. The Panthers limited Chariton to just 17 first half points and made Chariton’s leading scorer Patrick Lahart earn the 18 points he scores. Coach Brad McWilliams said this a very good defensive effort. C.J. Wright scored six big points in the fourth quarter and keyed Knoxville’s run to put away Chariton. The Panthers were led by Jamie VanderVeer’s 15 points and Mike Jacks put in 11. Knoxville is now 5-17 on the season and will play Thursday night in the 3A district final in Oskaloosa.