The Knoxville Basketball Squads began South Central Conference play by defeating Clarke on Tuesday as the girls won another hard fought contest 52-40 while the boys used a big second half to ease by the Indians 72-52 heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The girls were in a close contest for much of the first half and actually trailed at the half 24-20, but went on a 7-0 run to start the second half and gradually pull away for the 12 point win. Maggie Wilkins led all scorers with her third straight 30 point game scoring 31, 21 after halftime and Emma Dunkin scored 12 points. In the boys game, Knoxville shook off a slow start in the first half to post an 11 point halftime lead and expand on that lead after the break to win going away. Coach Jeff Larson told KRLS Sports while it was not their best game, his team was able to get the rebounding edge, which was key to their success.

Larson:
“We didn’t play our best game but we outworked them at times and Mike put in some big shots and we just keep plugging away and don’t quit”

Kieren (key-AIR-un) Nichols led the Panthers with 23 points, while Spencer Hixson scored 19 points. The Knoxville girls are 4-0 and the boys are 2-0, and both squads are 1-0 in the South Central Conference. The Panthers are at Chariton this Friday.