Emerson Pirates (Emerson, AR) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Bearden Bears (Bearden, AR), 51-40 in a league bout.

With the win, Emerson upgrades its record to 7-5 on the season. The Pirates host Dermott (Dermott, AR) to play the Rams in a 1A Region 8 bout on Friday, January 27. The Rams go into the bout with a record of 10-1. Dermott won 73-33 in their recent league bout against Bearden (Bearden, AR)

Next up, the Bears play the Hampton Bulldogs (Hampton, AR) in a 1A Region 8 game, on Friday, January 27. Bearden will attempt to move on its 10-7 season record.