Staples-Motley Cardinals (Staples, MN) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the visiting Royalton Royals (Royalton, MN), 57-56 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Staples-Motley upgrades its record to 8-4 on the season. The Cardinals host Park Rapids (Park Rapids, MN) to clash with the Panthers in a non-league bout on Friday, January 19. The Panthers go into the bout with a record of 9-4. Park Rapids won 96-36 in their recent league bout against Menahga (Menahga, MN)

Next up, the Royals clash with the Mora Mustangs (Mora, MN) in a AA Section 6 bout, on Monday, January 22. Royalton will attempt to upgrade on its 5-9 season record.