Bland Tigers (Merit, TX) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Honey Grove Warriors (Honey Grove, TX), 42-40 in a league bout.

With the victory, Bland upgrades its record to 17-5 on the campaign. The Tigers host Celeste (Celeste, TX) to play the Blue Devils in a 2A Region II District 14 bout on Tuesday, January 9. The Blue Devils come into the bout with a record of 16-7. Celeste won 51-34 in their recent league bout against Tom Bean (Tom Bean, TX)

Next up, the Warriors play the Whitewright Tigers (Whitewright, TX) in a 2A Region II District 14 bout, on Tuesday, January 9. Honey Grove will attempt to upgrade on its 15-9 season record. The Tigers come into the bout with a 11-6 record after their 38-26 league loss to Wolfe City (Wolfe City, TX).