Fans at Thursday's league challenge between the Pequot Lakes Patriots (Pequot Lakes, MN) and the host Pierz Pioneers (Pierz, MN), saw Pequot Lakes's basketball squad hold off Pierz by a count of 61-54.

With the victory, Pequot Lakes upgrades its record to 10-2 on the campaign. The Patriots host Staples-Motley (Staples, MN) to play the Cardinals in a AA Section 7 challenge on Monday, January 22. The Cardinals come into the challenge with a record of 8-5. Staples-Motley lost 76-64 in their recent non-league challenge against Park Rapids (Park Rapids, MN)

Next up, the Pioneers play the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (St. Cloud, MN) in a non-league challenge, on Thursday, January 25. Pierz will attempt to upgrade on its 4-10 season record. The Crusaders come into the challenge with a 5-9 record after their 67-55 league win over Milaca (Milaca, MN).