The Knoxville Basketball Squads get one final game in before the Christmas breaks as the Panthers travel to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The newly minted class 4A #14 girls are in a three-way tie for first place in the South Central Conference with the Rockets and Centerville at 3-0. Panthers Coach Jim Uitermarkt tells KRLS Sports EBF’s gym creates a challenging environment that makes it tough for visiting teams to get an advantage.

Uitermarkt:
“Probably at the top of my list as toughest places to play. The gym is smaller which does not play into our advantage, we like to run and wear teams out. It’s just a small on top of you gym with the crown right there. It’s just a tough environment, and hopefully we get off to a good start on the road.”

In their three conference games the Panthers are winning by an average score of 65-28. For the boys, the Panthers along with everyone in the South Central Conference are on a revenge tour of sorts against EBF. The Rockets have dominated the conference for the last two seasons, but lost everyone from last year’s team. Assistant Coach Matt Richhart tells KRLS Sports while the Rockets have a totally different team to work with, it is still the same hard-nosed style of play.

Richhart:
“We’re a pretty talented team, I don’t think there’s any question about it. But we’re just not going to walk into a gym and run over someone, that’s not who we are. They’re a good coaching staff, and they’ll have a well scouted, and it’ll be a battle.”

Tonight’s games can be heard live on 95.3 KNIA with Derek Cardwell and Marcus Wilkins beginning with the pre game at 6:15pm.