Highland Rebels (Hardy, AR) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Melbourne Bearkatz (Melbourne, AR), 52-48 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Highland upgrades its record to 1-0 on the campaign. The Rebels host Trumann (Trumann, AR) to play the Wildcats in a 4A Region 3 bout on Tuesday, November 29. The Wildcats come into the bout with a record of 0-2.

Next up, the Bearkatz play the Greene County Tech Golden Eagles (Paragould, AR) in a non-league bout, on Wednesday, November 23. Melbourne will attempt to upgrade on its 0-1 season record.