Fans at Thursday's non-league challenge between the Rutland Raiders (Rutland, VT) and the host Essex Hornets (Essex Junction, VT), saw Rutland's basketball squad hold off Essex by a tally of 55-48.

With the victory, Rutland improves its record to 10-4 on the campaign. The Raiders host Fair Haven (Fair Haven, VT) to play the Slaters in a non-league challenge on Tuesday, January 30. The Slaters come into the challenge with a record of 7-6.

Next up, the Hornets play the Rice Memorial Green Knights (South Burlington, VT) in a Metro challenge, on Monday, January 29. Essex will attempt to improve on its 2-11 season record. The Green Knights come into the challenge with a 13-1 record after their 62-55 non-league loss to Albany Academy for Boys (Albany, NY).