Hawthorne Bears (Hawthorne, NJ) backers were in high spirits Saturday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host West Milford Highlanders (West Milford, NJ), 58-45 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Hawthorne upgrades its record to 9-5 on the season. The Bears host Eastern Christian (North Haledon, NJ) to play the Eagles in a non-league bout on Monday, January 29. The Eagles go into the bout with a record of 5-11. Eastern Christian lost 72-52 in their recent non-league bout against Lakeland Regional (Wanaque, NJ)

Next up, the Highlanders play the Fair Lawn Cutters (Fair Lawn, NJ) in a Big North - Independence bout, on Monday, January 29. West Milford will attempt to upgrade on its 7-10 season record. The Cutters go into the bout with a 12-4 record after their 70-46 non-league loss to Ramapo (Franklin Lakes, NJ).