Mingus Marauders (Cottonwood, AZ) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad nip the host Payson Longhorns (Payson, AZ), 74-71 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Mingus upgrades its record to 5-13 on the season. The Marauders travel to Mohave (Bullhead City, AZ) to play the Thunderbirds in a II Section II bout on Saturday, January 14. The Thunderbirds go into the bout with a record of 8-7.

Next up, the Longhorns play the Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets (Lakeside, AZ) in a III Section I bout, on Tuesday, January 17. Payson will attempt to upgrade on its 11-8 season record. The Yellow Jackets go into the bout with a 8-14 record after their 52-46 league loss to Alchesay (Whiteriver, AZ).