Laurel Spartan (New Castle, PA) backers were in high spirits Wednesday as they observed their basketball team edge the visiting Shenango Wildcats (New Castle, PA), 35-29 in a non-league match.

In their next game, the Spartan meet the Riverside Panthers (Ellwood City, PA) in a WPIAL 3A 1 match, on Thursday, January 11. Laurel will attempt to move on its 3-8 season record. The Panthers enter the match with a 3-6 record after their 53-21 league loss to Neshannock (New Castle, PA).

With the defeat, Shenango moves to 1-6 on the year. The Wildcats travel to Mercer (Mercer, PA) to meet the Mustangs in a non-league match on Sunday, January 14. The Mustangs enter the match with a record of 6-1. Mercer won 46-16 in their recent league match against Reynolds (Greenville, PA)