The Knoxville Girls basketball Squad stepped out of conference on Thursday and walked away from OSkaloosa with a 62-to-54 victory over the Indians. After Oskaloosa led in the 1st quarter, the Panthers outscored the Indians 19-6 in the 2nd quarter to take control and held the lead for the rest of the way ,allowing Osky no closer than five the rest of the game. The Panthers defense was a key as they got several deflections and steals and at times made life frustrating for the hosts. Coach Matt Ritchhart told KNIA/KRLS Sports they all bought into the game plan of ball pressure to keep Oskaloosa off balance.

Ritchhart: “We knew this was a big opportunity that was to step out of conference and beat a Little Hawkeye Conference, and hopefully get a big win. They all bought into the game plan even though Blommers went off from 24 points, but a big win for us.”

Emma Dunkin paced three Panthers in double figures with 21 points, Brittany Bacorn had 14 as did Anna Buttell, who hit four three point shots and two big ones in the 4th quarter. Knoxville is now 10-4 on the season and will now prepare for Chariton and the Panthers vs. Cancer event on Saturday.