KC Eagles Clawed By Palmyra Panthers
KC Eagles Clawed By Palmyra Panthers
By David Sharp
A tough Palmyra defense prevented Knox County from getting everything going their way on February 19. The home standing Panthers (18-6) matched three Eagles in double figures and powered to a 76-59 victory.
“We came out flat. Sometimes we don’t have that same energy level on the road that we have at home,” said Knox County head coach Jesse Crawford.
“We never could get going on all cylinders offensively. I credit Palmyra’s defense for that. We had three guys score in double figures, but they labored for their points.”
Palmyra jumped out to a 19-12 first quarter lead. Zach Sutter tossed in two of the Panther’s three home run balls during the first quarter.
The Eagles (15-9) got to the free throw line effectively, connecting on 15 of 21 tries from the charity stripe on the night.
Palmyra burned the nets from the outside. The home team fired 26 field goals and six three balls through the twine. The Panthers were 6-8 from the free throw line on the night.
The Panthers took a 35-23 lead at intermission. Daniel McMahon scored a game high 22 Knox County points.
The senior guard tossed in nine of the Eagles’ 13 third quarter points. Knox County out scored their hosts 13-12 during the third quarter and trailed 47-36 entering the final period of play.
Knox County held probable all-stater Jonathon Nutt to five points in the first half and seven entering the fourth period. The Eagles fought back within seven points at one juncture of the fourth quarter.
Palmyra began burning the nets from the perimeter. Palmyra out scored the Eagles 29-23 in the fourth quarter and earned the 76-59 win.
Cory Shultz fired in 16 Knox County points. Dennis Dent was the third Eagle in double figures with 15 points. Mitchel Penn scored three KCHS points. Lucus Hudson scored two fourth quarter points and Shane Clouse added one Knox County point.
Jonathon Nutt and Ryne Brewer led four Panthers in double figures with 16 points each. Jeremy Hultz tossed in 15 and Zach Sutter scored 14 Palmyra points.
