The Passaic Valley Hornets basketball team (Little Falls, NJ), was nudged 61-57 in Tuesday's league battle with the host West Milford Highlanders (West Milford, NJ)

The Highlanders now possess a 9-10 record. They put it on the line next when they host Lakeland Regional for a Big North - Independence battle on Thursday, February 1. West Milford will confront a Lancers team coming off a 73-31 league loss to Wayne Valley (Wayne, NJ). The Lancers record now stands at 4-12.

The Hornets (10-6) will now prepare for their battle against Wayne Hills (Wayne, NJ). The Patriots come into the Big North - Independence battle with a 10-9 record. In their last battle, Wayne Hills edged Fair Lawn (Fair Lawn, NJ), 46-45, in a league battle.