Luverne Cardinals (Luverne, MN) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad bounce the host St. James Saints (St. James, MN), 79-50 in a league bout.

With the win, Luverne upgrades its record to 8-1 on the season. The Cardinals host Jackson County Central (Jackson, MN) to play the Huskies in a AA Section 3 bout on Tuesday, January 17. The Huskies go into the bout with a record of 6-4. Jackson County Central lost 67-63 in their recent league bout against Fairmont (Fairmont, MN)

Next up, the Saints play the Maple River Eagles (Mapleton, MN) in a non-league bout, on Saturday, January 14. St. James will attempt to upgrade on its 6-5 season record. The Eagles go into the bout with a 9-3 record after their 61-51 non-league win over Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (Janesville, MN).