Marian Catholic Spartans (Chicago Heights, IL) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting Niles North Vikings (Skokie, IL), 69-61 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Marian Catholic upgrades its record to 9-4 on the season. The Spartans travel to Brother Rice (Chicago, IL) to play the Crusaders in a non-league bout on Friday, December 29. The Crusaders go into the bout with a record of 15-0. Brother Rice won 83-80 in their recent non-league bout against Rockford Auburn (Rockford, IL)

Next up, the Vikings play the Rockford Auburn Knights (Rockford, IL) in a non-league bout, on Friday, December 29. Niles North will attempt to upgrade on its 11-2 season record. The Knights go into the bout with a 7-6 record after their 83-80 non-league loss to Brother Rice (Chicago, IL).