Monticello Panthers (Monticello, IA) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting West Branch Bears (West Branch, IA), 65-52 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Monticello upgrades its record to 2-0 on the season. The Panthers travel to Western Dubuque (Epworth, IA) to clash with the Bobcats in a non-league bout on Saturday, December 3. The Bobcats go into the bout with a record of 0-3. Western Dubuque lost 62-43 in their recent non-league bout against Waverly-Shell Rock (Waverly, IA)

Next up, the Bears clash with the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks (Wellman, IA) in a River Valley - South bout, on Friday, December 9. West Branch will attempt to upgrade on its 0-2 season record.