The Vernon Hills Cougars (Vernon Hills, IL) basketball nipped the visiting Hoffman Estates Hawks (Hoffman Estates, IL), 45-39 in Monday's non-league test.

The Cougars (12-7) will now prepare for their test against Highland Park (Highland Park, IL). The Giants go into the Central Suburban - North test with a 7-12 record. In their last test, Highland Park was tipped by Maine East (Park Ridge, IL), 47-45, in a league test.

The Hawks now own a 12-8 record. They play next when they host Palatine for a Mid-Suburban - West test on Thursday, January 18. Hoffman Estates will encounter a Pirates squad coming off a 60-23 non-league win over St. Charles North (St. Charles, IL). The Pirates record now stands at 15-5.