The Knoxville Boys and Girls Basketball Squad were involved in hard fought games last night in Newton, but both were unable to come away with wins. In the girls game, the Panthers’ second quarter was the difference as only four points were scored to Newton’s 12 and Knoxville ended up falling 51-39. Coach Jim Utiermarkt said the effort was better than Tuesday’s loss to Pella Christian, but still several mental lapses took their toll. Meredith Cunningham led Knoxville with 14 points and Rikki Hall had 12 as Knoxville falls to 8-12 on the season and finishes Little Hawkeye Conference play with a 3-9 record. The boys had the lead with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter 27-21. However, Newton would outscore Knoxville 29-9 the rest of the way to post a 50-36 win over the Panthers. Knoxville was hitting shots in the first three quarters, but could not find the range in the fourth quarter. Coach Jeff Larson said the guys’ effort was very good, but a few little things down the stretch was key. Knoxville remains winless on the season and will be off until Tuesday when the Panthers close out the regular season with Dallas Center-Grimes. The girls will travel to Perry tonight. You can hear that game live on AM 1320 KNIA starting with the pre game at 7:15.