The Knoxville Boys Basketball Squad fell in its class 3A sub state opener to Newton on Monday 70-61 heard live on 95.3 KNIA.

The Panthers played from behind for most of the night as the Cardinals were able to hit open shots and three pointers to build an early eight point lead, but the Panthers trimmed it to five at halftime. After the half, Knoxville came out and quickly got the lead by one midway through the 3rd quarter, but following a time out by Newton, the Cardinals ended the 3rd quarter on a 12-3 run to take control. While Knoxville got the lead to five at one point in the 4th quarter, the Panthers could get no closer. Coach Troy Pearson told KNIA/KRLS Sports it was a combination of missed shots and defensive breakdowns that was his team’s downfall.

Pearson: “They’re a team that will run the shot clock down to single digits, and there were some defensive breakdowns and when kids see that ball go down that builds confidence and it was just frustrating for everyone involved.”

Landen Norris scored 29 points to lead Knoxville while younger brother Lincoln had 18. Knoxville finishes the season with a 14-8 record.