While it was not pretty, the Knoxville Girls Basketball Squad got the job done against Chariton last night 39-36. On a night when three survivors were honored at the Coaches vs. Cancer night, Knoxville had to survive the Chargers second half rally. Knoxville forged a ten point lead midway through the third quarter and was threatening to blow the game open when Chariton went on a near seven minute 16-3 run to take the lead 28-25 with just over five minutes left in the game. Knoxville then turned the tables on Chariton with help from the Chargers as a technical foul was called on a Chariton player. After two Meredith Cunningham free throws, Freshman Emily Wallace nailed an eight foot jumper and Knoxville had a three point lead and Chariton never got closer. Cunningham led the Panthers, who improve to 6-7 on the season with 18 points. On the boys side, a strong effort but still no results as Knoxville fought from behind all night and fell to the Chargers 66-53. Knoxville made an 11-3 run after being down by 15 with 6 1/2 minutes remaining to cut the lead to seven. However, Knoxville could not get any closer and Chariton closed the game out with free throws. Ryan Douglass had a strong outing with 20 points, while Gerrit Davis added 14. The Panthers are now 0-13 on the season. Knoxville hosts Oskaloosa on Tuesday. According to Girls Coach Jim Utiermarkt around $17,000 was raised just on the silent auction for Coaches vs. Cancer. A grand total will be announced after all moneys are counted. KNIA/KRLS will get you that information when it becomes official.

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