Hibriten Panthers (Lenoir, NC) boosters left the game satisfied Wednesday as they witnessed their basketball squad nudge the visiting Wilkes Central Eagles (Wilkesboro, NC), 71-69 in a non-league match.

With the victory, Hibriten upgrades its record to 2-7 on the year. The Panthers host Freedom (Morganton, NC) to face the Patriots in a non-league match on Thursday, January 9. The Patriots enter the match with a record of 9-1. Freedom won 56-52 in their recent non-league match against T.C. Roberson (Asheville, NC)

The Eagles now sport a 8-5 record. They put it on the line next when they host North Wilkes for a non-league match on Friday, January 10. Wilkes Central will face a Vikings squad coming off a 64-34 non-league loss to West Wilkes (Millers Creek, NC). The Vikings record now stands at 1-9.