The Knoxville Boys Basketball Squad recaptured a measure of revenge over PCM as the Panthers won Bragging Rights Along Highway 14 over the Mustangs 65-56 in both squads season opening games heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The Panthers and Mustangs played to an even stalemate in the 1st half with the score tied at 29. But Knoxville controlled the 2nd half outscoring PCM 36-to-27. The Panthers shot well from the three point line canning 12 triples on 27 attempts. The Mustangs were plagued with turnovers in the 4th quarter and missed chances to get the game closer as PCM got to within four points in the final quarter, but Knoxville closed the door with a quick 7-0 run to get the lead up to 11. Knoxville Senior Connor Willis told KNIA/KRLS Sports the halftime adjustment was simple, give a little more effort and the results showed.

Willis: “Our biggest thing was our effort. Our effort was right there and another thing we needed to fix was our physicality. As you can see we’re not the biggest team so we need to be more physical.”

PCM’s Jack Jungling said it was not the desired result, but there is a lot to learn after one game.

Jungling: “Ran a different defense than in past years, and it was a learning curve. It was a good game to look off of and build on.”

Landen Norris led Knoxville with 24 points and younger brother Lincoln was impressive in his varsity debut with 14 points, 12 in the 4th quarter. For PCM, Gavin Van Gorp had 18 points and Jacob Wendt scored 17. Knoxville is 1-0 on the season and will travel to Cardinal with the girls squad on Friday to start South Central Conference play while PCM will host Green County on Friday.