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35 years of frustration came crashing down in Runnells last night as the Knoxville girls defeated Carlisle 50-43 to advance to their first state tournament since 1975. It did not come so easy as the Panthers after getting off to a nine/nothing start fell behind by halftime 23-22. Faced with foul trouble, Knoxville went to a box and one defense, Lacy Stevenson nailed three of her record tying seven three point shots, plus Bethany Just’s effort on Carlisle star player Jordan Gronewold in the second half limiting her to just six points, the Panthers found a way to get the seven point win. Coach Jim Utiermarkt sensed there might be some adversity the girls would have to fight through. Stevenson who led Knoxville with 21 points and tied the single game three point mark with seven said Coach Utiermarkt motto of one game at a time has been a big reason for their success. Knoxville improves to 23-1 on the season and will play Waukon next Tuesday at the State Tournament at 6:30.

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