Fans at Thursday's league challenge between the Aitkin Gobblers (Aitkin, MN) and the visiting Pierz Pioneers (Pierz, MN), saw Aitkin's basketball squad hold off Pierz by a tally of 53-49.

With the victory, Aitkin improves its record to 3-3 on the campaign. The Gobblers travel to Cloquet (Cloquet, MN) to confront the Lumberjacks in a non-league challenge on Thursday, January 5. The Lumberjacks come into the challenge with a record of 2-5.

Next up, the Pioneers confront the Staples-Motley Cardinals (Staples, MN) in a AA Section 7 challenge, on Tuesday, January 10. Pierz will attempt to improve on its 4-2 season record. The Cardinals come into the challenge with a 3-2 record after their 85-40 non-league win over Lake of the Woods (Baudette, MN).