The rivalry between the Knox Central Panthers and the Pineville Mountain Lions has become one of the more competitive rivalries in the 13th Region.
Tuesday night was no different as both squads accounted for over 180 points and 24 3-pointers in a 98-84 victory by the homestanding Panthers.
Grayson Burton led the 14-4 Panthers with 34 points. Tydus Summers had 27. Evan Hubbard added 13. Hayden Melton chipped in with 12.
The 14-7 Lions were led by Sawyer Thompson’s 35 points. Jerry Beck poured in 25, while Ashton Moser added 18.
The game got off to a fast start with both teams slugging it out to a 24-24 tie after the first quarter. Knox outscored Pineville 24-18 in the second period to take a 48-42 lead at the half.
The second half was much of the same with Knox edging the Lions 22-21 to take a 70-63 advantage into the final frame. Knox closed the game with a 28-21 run to set the final score.
Pineville returns to play Saturday in the Gem City Shootout at Pineville against Belfry. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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Knox Central (98) — Grayson Burton 34, Austin Bargo 2, Hayden Melton 12, Tydus Summers 27, Evan Taylor 5, Evan Hubbard 13, Lucas Olmstead 4.
Pineville (84) — Sawyer Thompson 35, Ashton Moser 18, Cam Puckett 5, Kaiden Robbins 1, Jerry Beck 25.