The season finally tips of for the Knoxville boys and girls basketball squads tonight in Albia. The girls are coming off a frustrating season that went 5-17. The Panthers return very little experience to this season’s club that is loaded with freshmen and sophomores. However, two seniors will be called upon to lead the younger players. Coach Jim Utiermarkt says Katie Cunningham and Kassie Griggs will be expected to contribute both on and off the court. The boys meanwhile, are looking to improve on a 1-21 season last year with nearly the entire cast back from last season. Coach Jeff Larson says the jamboree on Friday proved a good tune up for the season. He says Gerrit Davis, Joe and Jake Stearns and Bryce Zoutte will be looked on help lead the team. You can hear the play-by-play with Derek Cardwell on AM 1320 KNIA tonight starting with the pregame show at six.