The Knoxville Girls Basketball Squad won a grinder on Saturday defeating Chariton 44-33 in the first round of the class 3A regional as heard on 95.3 KNIA. Both Panthers and Chargers were shooting as cold as the outside air temperature to start the game with Chariton leading at the halftime break 17-15. But Knoxville ramped up the defense and was more aggressive on offense, took the lead and gradually pulled away in the second half. Sophomore Emma Dunkin was a big part of the game from the second quarter on, likely getting a momentum changing three point play with a couple of minutes remaining in the first half to switch momentum. Coach Jim Uitermarkt told KNIA/KRLS Sports Dunkin’s fist pump reaction surprised him but he was glad to see her step up.

Uitermarkt:
“That’s what is a part of what makes her so solid is she doesn’t get too high or too low and that’s what I was thinking and I loved that out of her, but that’s what we need in that second scorer that we’ve talked all year about and I like the way she played.”

Maggie Wilkins had 19 points to lead the Panthers Dunkin scored 15 points and made key shots in the second half to help Knoxville gain control. Knoxville is now 15-5 on the season and will travel to face #8 Roland-Story on Wednesday in a class 3A regional semi-final.