Newark Academy Minutemen (Livingston, NJ) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad bounce the visiting Shabazz Bulldogs (Newark, NJ), 71-49 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Newark Academy upgrades its record to 1-4 on the campaign. The Minutemen host West Essex (North Caldwell, NJ) to play the Knights in a Super Essex - Independence bout on Saturday, January 7. The Knights come into the bout with a record of 6-2. West Essex won 85-61 in their recent league bout against Millburn (Millburn, NJ)

Next up, the Bulldogs play the Verona Hillbillies (Verona, NJ) in a Super Essex - Colonial bout, on Friday, January 6. Shabazz will attempt to upgrade on its 4-4 season record.