Sparta Trojans (Sparta, MO) supporters left the game happy Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad hold off the host Early Panthers (Morrisville, MO), 43-40 in a non-league match.

With the victory, Sparta advances its record to 5-3 on the year. The Trojans host Ava (Ava, MO) to meet the Bears in a non-league match on Monday, January 6. The Bears enter the match with a record of 0-2. Ava lost 38-19 in their recent league match against Willow Springs (Willow Springs, MO)

The Panthers now own a 7-3 record. They put it on the line next when they travel to Crane for a non-league match on Monday, January 6.