Coon Rapids-Bayard Crusaders (Coon Rapids, IA) backers were pleased Tuesday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the host Exira-EHK Spartans (Elk Horn, IA), 59-52 in a league bout.

With the victory, Coon Rapids-Bayard upgrades its record to 8-0 on the campaign. The Crusaders travel to Earlham (Earlham, IA) to play the Cardinals in a non-league bout on Thursday, December 14. The Cardinals come into the bout with a record of 5-0. Earlham won 59-54 in their recent league bout against West Central Valley (Stuart, IA)

Next up, the Spartans play the West Harrison Hawkeyes (Mondamin, IA) in a non-league bout, on Friday, December 15. Exira-EHK will attempt to upgrade on its 5-2 season record. The Hawkeyes come into the bout with a 2-6 record after their 42-27 non-league win over Paton-Churdan (Churdan, IA).