Without its starting point guard, the Knoxville Boys Basketball Squad was able to clear the first hurdle of the class 3A substate by beating Creston on Monday 59-35 in a game heard live in 95.3 KNIA. Drake Larson, who injured his wrist last Monday in the regular season finale sat out but the black and gold Panthers gradually took control through the game leading 9-2 at the end of the first quarter and 26-11 at halftime. Knoxville held a lead as high as 29 before settling for the 24 point win. Jack Reed had one of his best games of the season scoring 21 points. Coach Joel Keady told KNIA/KRLS Sports that while it was not the high octane offense that fans have been used to seeing, he was happy to see guys get some experience while resting some of his starters as the game wore on.

Keady: “Overall when you feel like you’re doing decent and put the ball in the hoop you’re going to come out on top more often than not, and I was happy to get some other guys playoff experience and some of our main guys rested.”

Lincoln Norris scored ten points to out two Knoxville players in double figures. The Panthers shot well, hitting on 20/44 shots overall for 45%, out rebounded Creston 29-18 and held the red and black Panthers to just 25%. Knoxville improves to 20-3 and will host Gilbert on Thursday in the class 3A Substate Two semifinal.