Fans at Thursday's league challenge between the Simpson Academy Cougars (Mendenhall, MS) and the visiting Lamar Raiders (Meridian, MS), saw Simpson Academy's basketball squad hold off Lamar by a tally of 51-45.

With the victory, Simpson Academy improves its record to 14-3 on the campaign. The Cougars travel to Jackson Prep (Jackson, MS) to play the Patriots in a non-league challenge on Friday, December 16. The Patriots come into the challenge with a record of 6-11. Jackson Prep won 43-40 in their recent non-league challenge against Oak Forest Academy (Amite, LA)

Next up, the Raiders play the East Rankin Academy Patriots (Pelahatchie, MS) in a MAIS 5A District 2 challenge, on Tuesday, January 3. Lamar will attempt to improve on its 1-6 season record.