Bearden Bears (Bearden, AR) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the host Rison Wildcats (Rison, AR), 80-66 in a league bout.

With the victory, Bearden upgrades its record to 8-6 on the campaign. The Bears travel to Hermitage (Hermitage, AR) to play the Hermits in a 2A Region 7 West bout on Tuesday, February 9. The Hermits come into the bout with a record of 4-13. Hermitage lost 82-59 in their recent league bout against Strong (Strong, AR)

Next up, the Wildcats play the Dermott Rams (Dermott, AR) in a 2A Region 7 West bout, on Tuesday, February 9. Rison will attempt to upgrade on its 2-11 season record. The Rams come into the bout with a 17-14 record after their 70-30 league win over Hampton (Hampton, AR).