Fans at Wednesday's league challenge between the Itasca Wampus Cats (Itasca, TX) and the host Italy Gladiators (Italy, TX), saw Itasca's basketball squad hold off Italy by a tally of 53-48.

With the victory, Itasca improves its record to 17-5 on the campaign. The Wampus Cats host Rio Vista (Rio Vista, TX) to confront the Eagles in a 2A Region II District 12 challenge on Friday, January 19. The Eagles come into the challenge with a record of 14-12. Rio Vista won 78-66 in their recent league challenge against Frost (Frost, TX)

Next up, the Gladiators confront the Valley Mills Eagles (Valley Mills, TX) in a 2A Region II District 12 challenge, on Friday, January 19. Italy will attempt to improve on its 14-10 season record. The Eagles come into the challenge with a 9-14 record after their 53-40 league loss to Hamilton (Hamilton, TX).