Earle Bulldogs (Earle, AR) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting Rector Cougars (Rector, AR), 66-52 in a league bout.

With the win, Earle upgrades its record to 13-9 on the season. The Bulldogs travel to Cross County (Cherry Valley, AR) to clash with the Thunderbirds in a 2A Region 3 bout on Tuesday, January 16. The Thunderbirds go into the bout with a record of 5-14.

Next up, the Cougars clash with the East Poinsett County Warriors (Lepanto, AR) in a 2A Region 3 bout, on Monday, January 15. Rector will attempt to upgrade on its 5-10 season record. The Warriors go into the bout with a 9-8 record after their 68-50 league win over Cross County (Cherry Valley, AR).