Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, the Knoxville Boys Basketball Squad jumped out an 11 point lead after the first quarter and then had to hold on for dear life to edge out Chariton 61-59 last night. The Panthers shot 45% from the field in the first half and held Chariton to just 37%. However the Panthers went cold in the second and the Chargers warmed up and cut the lead to a little as one with a minute remaining, however a driving layup by Bryant McWilliams and just enough free throws, plus an errant desperation three at the buzzer by Chariton preserved the win. Coach Jeff Larson said the past week the coaching staff has been breaking the game down by quarters. The Panthers very balanced scoring also was a key factor as four players scored ten points for the Panthers, Matt Smith, Bryant McWilliams, Erik Ryan, and Joe Stearns all hit ten with freshman Nathan Winters contributing nine. Knoxville is now 1-6 on the season and will face Grinnell tonight. You can hear the game live on AM 1320 KNIA following the girl’s game.