Hickory Red Tornadoes (Hickory, NC) supporters left the game happy Saturday as they witnessed their basketball squad hold off the host Maiden Blue Devils (Maiden, NC), 72-68 in a non-league match.

With the victory, Hickory advances its record to 2-1 on the year. The Red Tornadoes host North Lincoln (Lincolnton, NC) to meet the Knights in a 3A Western Foothills match on Friday, January 3. The Knights enter the match with a record of 6-4. North Lincoln won 78-70 in their recent non-league match against Bandys (Catawba, NC)

The Blue Devils now own a 7-2 record. They put it on the line next when they host West Caldwell for a 2A Catawba Valley match on Tuesday, January 7. Maiden will meet a Warriors squad coming off a 67-57 non-league win over T.C. Roberson (Asheville, NC). The Warriors record now stands at 9-3.