Italy Gladiators (Italy, TX) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Valley Mills Eagles (Valley Mills, TX), 53-39 in a league bout.

With the win, Italy upgrades its record to 15-10 on the season. The Gladiators host Rio Vista (Rio Vista, TX) to clash with the Eagles in a 2A Region II District 12 bout on Tuesday, January 23. The Eagles go into the bout with a record of 15-12. Rio Vista won 42-31 in their recent league bout against Itasca (Itasca, TX)

Next up, the Eagles clash with the Frost Polar Bears (Frost, TX) in a 2A Region II District 12 bout, on Tuesday, January 23. Valley Mills will attempt to upgrade on its 9-15 season record. The Polar Bears go into the bout with a 10-15 record after their 59-55 league win over Hamilton (Hamilton, TX).