The Knoxville Basketball Squads got a split against Albia on Friday on Hall of Fame Night with the girls winning 42-27 and the boys falling to the Blue Demons 70-46 in games heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The girls were stingy again on defense allowing a season low 27 points and forcing over 25 Albia turnovers. Coach Matt Ritchhart told KNIA/KRLS Sports it was not a thing of beauty at times, but he will gladly accept a win any way it comes.

Ritchhart: “It was not a pretty game, it was not one people will watch for highlights. We didn’t shoot the ball well, but our defense was solid at times with some breakdowns. ”

The Panthers did not allow more than nine points in any quarter and built a lead as high as 17 in the 4th quarter. Knoxville is now 5-5 on the season and 3-3 in the South Central Conference. The boys were never in the game with Albia as the Blue Demons jumped out to a 18-6 lead and never allowed Knoxville to get any closer. Noah Keefer scored 14 points to lead the Panthers who fall to 2-6 on the season and 2-4 in the conference. The Panthers have a quick turnaround as they head to Pella Christian on Monday for a non-conference double header.