In Thursday's non-league match, the visiting Forest Bearcats basketball team scored a tight 42-40 triumph over the Newton County Cougars.

In their next game, the Bearcats meet the West Lauderdale Knights (Collinsville, MS) in a non-league match, on Friday, December 30. Forest will attempt to move on its 9-3 season record. The Knights enter the match with a 2-3 record after their 57-31 non-league loss to Enterprise (Enterprise, MS).

With the defeat, Newton County moves to 0-3 on the year. The Cougars travel to Neshoba Central (Philadelphia, MS) to meet the Rockets in a non-league match on Friday, December 30. The Rockets enter the match with a record of 12-3. Neshoba Central won 68-46 in their recent non-league match against Harrison Central (Gulfport, MS)