Mark Morris Monarchs (Longview, WA) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Kelso Hilanders (Kelso, WA), 63-62 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Mark Morris upgrades its record to 17-1 on the campaign. The Monarchs travel to Hockinson (Brush Prairie, WA) to play the Hawks in a 2A Greater St. Helens bout on Monday, January 30. The Hawks come into the bout with a record of 4-13. Hockinson lost 74-68 in their recent league bout against Fort Vancouver (Vancouver, WA)

Next up, the Hilanders play the Mountain View Thunder (Vancouver, WA) in a 3A Greater St. Helens bout, on Monday, January 30. Kelso will attempt to upgrade on its 9-8 season record. The Thunder come into the bout with a 11-7 record after their 72-60 non-league loss to Skyview (Vancouver, WA).