Fans at Thursday's non-league challenge between the East Wilkes Cardinals (Ronda, NC) and the visiting Fort Chiswell Pioneers (Max Meadows, VA), saw East Wilkes's basketball squad hold off Fort Chiswell by a tally of 53-48.

With the victory, East Wilkes improves its record to 4-6 on the campaign. The Cardinals host Alleghany (Sparta, NC) to confront the Trojans in a 1A Conference 36 challenge on Friday, January 6. The Trojans come into the challenge with a record of 6-5.

Next up, the Pioneers confront the Auburn Eagles (Riner, VA) in a Mountain Empire challenge, on Tuesday, January 3. Fort Chiswell will attempt to improve on its 4-6 season record. The Eagles come into the challenge with a 7-3 record after their 75-57 non-league loss to Northside (Roanoke, VA).