The Knoxville Basketball Squads split their games with Clarke on Panthers vs. Cancer night with the girls winning 55-38 and the boys dropping a 66-62 decision to the Indians live on 95.3 KNIA. The girls for the most part, dominated in their game with Clarke jumping on top 12-2 after the 1st quarter. Knoxville found it tough to make shots and did not pull away from Clarke until late when the Panthers built a 22 point lead in the 4th quarter. Coach Matt Ritchhart told KNIA/KRLS Sports his defense was the difference making things difficult for Clarke.

Ritchhart: “Our defense was really good especially early on so that’s why we struggled there. We came out and defended and came away with a 17 point win, so we’ll take it.”

Brittany Bacorn scored 26 points to lead Knoxville, who got back to .500 at 6-6 and stayed within striking distance in the South Central Conference with a 6-2 record. The boys game on paper was close, and it ended up being that but the Panthers found themselves on the wrong end of a four point loss to Clarke. The Indians were led by Jack Cooley, one of the area’s best players and was for the most part unstoppable all game scoring a game high 36 points. However, the Norris boys Landen and Lincoln kept the Panthers close and neither team had more than a four point lead in the 4th quarter. Clarke was able to make free throws down the stretch to salt the away away. Landen Norris scored a team high 27 points while Lincoln scored 18. Knoxville falls to 7-4 on the season and 6-2 in the South Central Conference.