Fans at Tuesday's non-league challenge between the Shepard Astros (Palos Heights, IL) and the host Manteno Panthers (Manteno, IL), saw Shepard's basketball squad hold off Manteno by a tally of 54-48.

With the victory, Shepard improves its record to 4-7 on the campaign. The Astros travel to Bowen (Chicago, IL) to play the Boilermakers in a non-league challenge on Tuesday, December 27. The Boilermakers come into the challenge with a record of 3-9. Bowen won 50-42 in their recent league challenge against Goode STEM Academy (Chicago, IL)

Next up, the Panthers play the Peotone Blue Devils (Peotone, IL) in a Illinois Central 8 challenge, on Friday, January 6. Manteno will attempt to improve on its 4-7 season record.