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The Knoxville girls played outstanding defense and had just enough offense to survive a 35-to-34 win over Pella last night. The Panthers controlled the game in the first half leading 23-19 not allowing Pella to do much inside. However the Lady Dutch got going in the second half and actually tied the game at 34 with just over a minute left but could not score another point. despite having three chances in the final seconds. Pella had a chance to win it at the end but never got a shot off before the buzzer sounded. Coach Jim Utiermarkt said the last Pella possession reminded him of a certain game from last year which Pella won 25-24 in the Regional Tournament. Pella Coach Jared Garland took the blame for that last posession saying he should have called a time out and re set the offense but didn’t and time expired without getting a shot off. Garland said Pella just didn’t shoot well and credited Knoxville’s aggressive defense. Knoxville was lead by Sam Abens with 11 points while Pella was led by Hali Steenhoek and Mckenzie Anthony each with seven points. The Panthers are now 10-0 on the season and 6-0 and now have first place all to themselves in the Little Hawkeye Conference while Pella fell to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in teh LHC. Pella is off until next Tuesday when they host Norwalk..