It was two much needed wins over Davis County for the Knoxville Basketball Squads as the girls played solid defense in a 56-43 win over the Mustangs and the boys grabbed control early and blew out Davis County 73-46 in games heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The Panthers’ girls got help defensively from Brittany Bacorn off the bench, making numerous steals and scoring eight points.

Uitermarkt:
“But I think what you saw tonight too, we’re a different team and a different defensive team without Norah, and that’s what it is going to have to be.”

Maggie Wilkins led all scorers with 21 points and Emma Dunkin scored 12 points. The boys took control with a 16-2 run in the second quarter and never allowed Davis County closer than 13 points the rest of the way coasting to a 27 point victory. Knoxville shot well from long range, draining 13/31 shots from three point land and making it difficult for Davis County to guard. Interim Coach Matt Ritchhart told KNIA/KRLS Sports he decided to take the reins off and let his guys play.

Ritchhart:
“You’re going to play basketball, you’re going to pass one way and screen another. They had a difficult time identifying where Kieren was because he was all over the court. I don’t know how many assists and 3s we made.”

Kieren Nichols led the Panthers with 25 points, Luke Keitges scored 20, and Spencer Hixson tallied 19 points. The girls are 8-3 on the season and 5-1 in South Central Conference action, while the boys are 6-4 and also 5-1 in the conference. Both teams are in action tonight in the 13th Annual Knoxville Coaches vs. Cancer game against Chariton. Live coverage starts at 6:00 on 95.3 KNIA.