Morton Panthers (Morton, MS) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Forest Bearcats (Forest, MS), 55-45 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Morton upgrades its record to 12-5 on the season. The Panthers travel to Lake (Lake, MS) to play the Hornets in a non-league bout on Saturday, January 6. The Hornets go into the bout with a record of 7-7. Lake won 50-47 in their recent league bout against Scott Central (Forest, MS)

Next up, the Bearcats play the Northeast Jones Tigers (Laurel, MS) in a 4A Region 5 bout, on Tuesday, January 9. Forest will attempt to upgrade on its 8-9 season record. The Tigers go into the bout with a 3-14 record after their 53-32 league loss to Quitman (Quitman, MS).