An extended 19-4 run in the 1st and 2nd quarters by Gilbert sealed Knoxville’s fate as the Panthers fell down by double digits and were never able to recover in a 63-40 loss to the Tigers in the class 3A substate semifinals as heard on 95.3 KNIA. Knoxville started off leading 11-4, but following a Gilbert time out, the Tigers quickly took the lead and upped the margin to ten by halftime and never allowed Knoxville closer than eight the rest of the way. The Tigers shut down everyone except Lincoln Norris, who scored 24 points and was the only Panther close to double figures. Knoxville Coach Joel Keady told KNIA/KRLS Sports Gilbert made adjustments early on and Knoxville was just not reactive to them.

Keady: “After the first few minutes, they adjusted and took things we wanted to do away. When shots aren’t falling you have to get to the next move and we could get to the next move.”

Knoxville finishes the season with a 20-4 record.