Fans at Saturday's non-league challenge between the Mt. Vernon Rams (Mt. Vernon, IL) and the host Effingham Flaming Hearts (Effingham, IL), saw Mt. Vernon's basketball squad overcome Effingham by a tally of 71-59.

With the victory, Mt. Vernon improves its record to 6-2 on the campaign. The Rams host Cahokia (Cahokia, IL) to confront the Comanches in a South Seven challenge on Friday, December 16. The Comanches come into the challenge with a record of 0-5.

Next up, the Flaming Hearts confront the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes (Teutopolis, IL) in a non-league challenge, on Tuesday, December 13. Effingham will attempt to improve on its 4-5 season record. The Wooden Shoes come into the challenge with a 6-1 record after their 75-63 non-league win over Bloomington Central Catholic (Bloomington, IL).