3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Knoxville

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carson-riser/"></a>Taking a look at teams that could compete for the state championship in their respective classes in the 2026-27 season, now moving to 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/3a-way-too-early-title-contenders-ballard/">3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Ballard</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/3a-way-too-early-title-contenders-solon/">3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Solon</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/3a-way-too-early-title-contenders-clear-lake/">3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Clear Lake</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning three of their top four scorers from a season where they went 20-4, falling in the second round of substate to a team that upset its way to a state tournament bid, Knoxville will be a team seeking revenge next winter, and they may have the pieces to do it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top scorer from last season, Iowa baseball commit [player_tooltip player_id='2231637' first='Lincoln' last='Norris'] returns after posting 22.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 steals and two assists per game. Surpassing the 1,000-point mark in January of this season, Norris shot a whopping 45.2% from three, making 114 triples this year, which accounted for just over 62% of his scoring. A 6-foot guard, Norris's quick shot and ability to get hot from deep in a moment's notice makes him one of the more dangerous three-point shooters in the state. The ability to shoot off-the-catch or off-the-dribble, get the ball above his head and out of his hands in a flash, and to force defenders to go up and over screens makes the Knoxville offense even more of a threat to light up the scoreboard. If he gets his shot going, the Panthers feel like a team that could beat anyone in 3A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A multi-sport athlete, Norris's return next season -- and high-level play, similar to what he did as a junior -- will be critical for Knoxville to reach the state tournament and compete for the 3A crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Third and fourth-leading scorers last season, [player_tooltip player_id='3344389' first='Jackson' last='Reed'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3344397' first='Tristan' last='Stevenson'] combined to put up 18 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. A pair of 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-3 guards, the duo provide a secondary scoring punch that, if Norris is unable to get his shot going, are a solid insurance policy. The trio of juniors will bring critical leadership, especially after an early exit in the 3A playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two other, end-of-the-rotation forwards will be X-factors to next season's success, too. Nolan Smith, at 6-foot-5 and Alex Kelley, who stands at 6-foot-7, will be looked to to improve their production for the Panthers next season. If each can provide consistent rim protection, the ability to get rebounds, set screens and finish at the cup, Knoxville could be sneaky good in 2026-27. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->