Fans at Friday's league challenge between the Ashley Bears (Ashley, MI) and the host Merrill Vandals (Merrill, MI), saw Ashley's basketball squad wallop Merrill by a tally of 53-23.

With the victory, Ashley improves its record to 1-11 on the campaign. The Bears host Vestaburg (Vestaburg, MI) to confront the Wolverines in a Mid-State challenge on Tuesday, January 31. The Wolverines come into the challenge with a record of 6-7.

Next up, the Vandals confront the Sacred Heart Academy Irish (Mt. Pleasant, MI) in a Mid-State challenge, on Wednesday, February 1. Merrill will attempt to improve on its 3-9 season record. The Irish come into the challenge with a 8-3 record after their 49-30 league win over Fulton (Middleton, MI).