Valley Lutheran Flames (Phoenix, AZ) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host North Phoenix Preparatory Academy Gladiators (Phoenix, AZ), 54-45 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Valley Lutheran upgrades its record to 9-12 on the season. The Flames host Dishchii’bikoh (Cibecue, AZ) to clash with the Wildcats in a non-league bout on Saturday, January 28. The Wildcats go into the bout with a record of 4-11. Dishchii’bikoh lost 65-53 in their recent league bout against Mogollon (Heber, AZ)

Next up, the Gladiators clash with the Mayer Wildcats (Mayer, AZ) in a 1A Central bout, on Tuesday, January 31. North Phoenix Preparatory Academy will attempt to upgrade on its 3-15 season record.