The Knoxville Basketball Squads will hope to pick up where they left off on Friday as the Panthers routed Cardinal to open up South Central Conference play. However, a different and likely much more difficult task will await the Panthers tonight as Clarke comes to town. For the girls this is an experienced Indians team that has won two of the last three over Knoxville and are looking to be not just competitive in the conference but to challenge for the title. Coach Matt Ritchhart tells KNIA/KRLS Sports Clarke has already challenged a good 1A school and lost to a good 2A school this season.

Ritchhart: “If there was a preseason poll in the conference, Clarke would be right up there with us and Eddyville. They lost to Martensdale, who’s a very good 1A team and Mount Ayr, who is usually top 2-3 in the Pride of Iowa, so this is a very good and very experienced team coming in on Tuesday.”

For the boys, it will be quite the opposite for Knoxville as Clarke, who may be one of the conference favorites with several talented players coming in. Coach Troy Pearson tells KNIA/KRLS, the defensive effort was much better on Friday and the offense also played well. The Panthers were also balanced with Landen Norris scoring 13 points. You can hear the action live on 95.3 KNIA and the KHS Activities You Tube Channel beginning with the pregame at 6:15