Stepping outside of league play, the Knoxville and Pella Christian basketball teams are set to clash in non-conference action Monday night on Panther Drive.

In the opening game of the twin bill, both the Panthers and Eagles girls squads are looking for a bounce back game, after each team went winless last week. In their only game, Knoxville fell to Class 2A #1 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, while Pella Christian dropped both of the contests against Newton and Class 4A #9 Pella. Entering the matchup with the Red Rock rivals, Eagles head coach Brendan Foughty knows the importance this game has for both teams.

“Knoxville is probably similar to Newton for us, where we know how much they dislike us, and regardless of how talented they are or what their record looks like, they hate us and then they want to come in and rough us up a little bit. So, we got to show up with an intensity and tenacity that pretty much sends the message to Knoxville that tonight’s not your night.”

In the nightcap, the Pella Christian boys are also looking to rebound after a winless week, after falling to Newton a Pella last Tuesday and Friday. Meanwhile, the Class 3A #6 Knoxville boys will look to remain one of just 20 teams statewide that are unbeaten, after earning a blowout win over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on Friday. Panthers head coach Joel Keady says that the Eagles will pose a difficult matchup for his squad due to their well-rounded attack.

“They’re very balanced, they move the ball around, and they’re unselfish on defense and the boards too.  So, we’re going to have to come out with a focus of doing the things we want to do.”

The Knoxville perspective of Monday’s doubleheader can be heard live on 95.3 KNIA, while the Pella Christian perspective can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS. Pregame coverage on both stations will begin at 6:15 pm, followed by tip-off of the girls game at 6:30 pm.