Kirtland Hornets (Kirtland, OH) backers were pleased Saturday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Independence Blue Devils (Independence, OH), 31-28 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Kirtland upgrades its record to 6-5 on the campaign. The Hornets host Wickliffe (Wickliffe, OH) to play the Blue Devils in a Chagrin Valley - Valley bout on Wednesday, January 17. The Blue Devils come into the bout with a record of 8-4. Wickliffe won 62-43 in their recent league bout against Cardinal (Middlefield, OH)

Next up, the Blue Devils play the Valley Forge Patriots (Parma Heights, OH) in a non-league bout, on Monday, January 22. Independence will attempt to upgrade on its 5-8 season record.