In Thursday's non-league contest, the host Verndale Pirates basketball team scored a close 49-45 triumph over the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines.

The Pirates (8-7) will now prepare for their contest against Sebeka (Sebeka, MN). The Trojans go into the A Section 5 contest with a 6-10 record. In their last contest, Sebeka nipped New York Mills (New York Mills, MN), 60-55, in a non-league contest.

In their next game, the Wolverines battle the New York Mills Eagles (New York Mills, MN) in a non-league contest, on Tuesday, February 4. Wadena-Deer Creek will attempt to better on its 6-12 season record. The Eagles go into the contest with a 5-11 record after their 60-55 non-league loss to Sebeka (Sebeka, MN).