Fans at Tuesday's league challenge between the Pender Patriots (Burgaw, NC) and the visiting South Columbus Stallions (Tabor City, NC), saw Pender's basketball squad hold off South Columbus by a tally of 52-49.

With the victory, Pender improves its record to 6-8 on the campaign. The Patriots travel to East Bladen (Elizabethtown, NC) to confront the Eagles in a 1A/2A Waccamaw challenge on Friday, February 2. The Eagles come into the challenge with a record of 15-3. East Bladen won 53-10 in their recent league challenge against West Columbus (Cerro Gordo, NC)

Next up, the Stallions confront the East Columbus Gators (Lake Waccamaw, NC) in a 1A/2A Waccamaw challenge, on Friday, February 2. South Columbus will attempt to improve on its 3-16 season record. The Gators come into the challenge with a 15-1 record after their 52-22 non-league win over Lakewood (Roseboro, NC).