We have finally reached the #1 moment for the Knoxville High School year. Going into basketball the Panther Boys Basketball squad had talent, but a lot of unknowns. A new coach in Joel Keady expects to not only win the South Central Conference, but also make a deep run in the postseason and maybe a spot at the State Tournament. Little did anyone know just how special the winter would be for the boys and Black and Gold as they steamrolled through the South Central Conference season unbeaten, and went unbeaten through the regular season setting the record for the best ever start for the boys basketball season. It also culminated in a trip to the State Tournament for the first time in 25 years. Starting post player Kaiden Smith told KNIA/KRLS Sports it felt great to get to state.

Smith: “I’m still excited for the game Monday night. I’m still excited to get there and to play with these guys is really awesome.”

The Panthers were ranked as high as #3 in class 3A and just after the Christmas Break got a signature win over Red Rock Rival Pella to serve notice they were a team to be dealt with. Knoxville fell to Cedar Rapids Xavier in the State quarterfinals to finish the season 24-1.