The Hibriten Panthers basketball squad (Lenoir, NC), was crushed 72-44 in Friday's league battle with the host Watauga Pioneers (Boone, NC)

With the victory, Watauga advances its record to 8-2 on the year. The Pioneers host Freedom (Morganton, NC) to meet the Patriots in a battle on Tuesday, January 21. The Patriots enter the battle with a record of 12-1. Freedom won 69-11 in their recent non-league battle against Ashe County (West Jefferson, NC)

The Panthers now own a 2-9 record. They put it on the line next when they host Alexander Central for a battle on Tuesday, January 21. Hibriten will meet a Cougars squad coming off a 48-41 league win over South Caldwell (Hudson, NC). The Cougars record now stands at 5-8.