Spruce Mountain Phoenix (Jay, ME) backers were pleased Monday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the visiting Hall-Dale Bulldogs (Farmingdale, ME), 44-35 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Spruce Mountain upgrades its record to 8-2 on the campaign. The Phoenix host Dirigo (Dixfield, ME) to play the Cougars in a non-league bout on Thursday, January 18. The Cougars come into the bout with a record of 2-6. Dirigo won 38-33 in their recent league bout against Kents Hill School (Kents Hill, ME)

Next up, the Bulldogs play the Mountain Valley Falcons (Rumford, ME) in a non-league bout, on Wednesday, January 17. Hall-Dale will attempt to upgrade on its 4-1 season record. The Falcons come into the bout with a 3-5 record after their 55-33 non-league win over Boothbay (Boothbay Harbor, ME).