Newton Tigers (Newton, MS) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Forest Bearcats (Forest, MS), 44-33 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Newton upgrades its record to 13-2 on the season. The Tigers travel to Scott Central (Forest, MS) to clash with the Rebels in a 2A Region 5 bout on Tuesday, January 2. The Rebels go into the bout with a record of 7-4.

Next up, the Bearcats clash with the Pelahatchie Chiefs (Pelahatchie, MS) in a non-league bout, on Thursday, December 28. Forest will attempt to upgrade on its 7-5 season record.