It was just what the doctor ordered for the Knoxville Girls Basketball Squad as the Panthers put a stranglehold on the South Central Conference race in a 63-34 win over Clarke on Friday and the boys huge third quarter broke open a tight game to win 76-68 as heard on KNIA. The girls, as they always do in the conference jumped out to a commanding lead at the end of the first quarter 23-5 behind the play of Katie Keitges, whose 20 points lead all scorers and Maggie Wilkins, who contributed 18. The Panthers were without Keitges for a time as she was saddled with foul trouble. The Panthers went on a nearly for minute stretch without their leader, but managed to hold serve and not let Clarke get any closer than 25 at any time. Coach Jim Uitermarkt told KNIA/KRLS Sports many of the girls stepped up to contribute to the scoring and hopes if that ever happens again they can do the same thing. Knoxville is now 11-2 on the season and 8-0 in the conference. The Panthers are up three games with four to play. The boys were tied with winless Clarke at 30 at the halftime break. The Panthers then went Mt. St. Helens on Clarke and erupted for 37 third quarter points to take a commanding 23 point lead and go on to win 76-68. Coach Jeff Larson told KNIA/KRLS Sports, there was not much to adjust at the half, they just started making shots. Clarke did get the lead down to single digits in the fourth quarter, but ran out of time. Kieren Nichols scored 22 points with Elliott Schmidt scoring 15. Knoxville is now 7-5 on the season and keeps within arm’s length of the conference lead with a 6-2 record. Both Knoxville teams will host rival Pella on Tuesday.

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