While it was a little more difficult than what the experts predicted, the Knoxville boys basketball squad took the first step in the substate by using a big 3rd quarter and winning over Mount Pleasant 61-39 on Monday heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The southeast Iowa Panthers actually led after one quarter while Knoxville was suffering through poor shooting through the second quarter. However, Knoxville outscored Mount Pleasant 22-4 in the 3rd quarter to put the game away. Some of the damage was done by Cael Cook as he splashed four three point shots to get the scoring jump started. He told KNIA/KRLS Sports he knew it was his time to shine.

Cook: “We were struggling, I think we were down after the 1st. I had a wide open look and that got me going.”

Landon Norris scored 17 points to lead Knoxville, while Cook had 12 and Koby Higginbtoham scored ten points. Knoxville is now 22-0 and advances to the substate semi-finals against Fort Madison on Thursday in Knoxville. You can hear that game live on 95.3 KNIA.