United South Panthers (Laredo, TX) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the visiting Hays Hawks (Buda, TX), 51-50 in a non-league bout.

With the win, United South upgrades its record to 10-8 on the season. The Panthers host United (Laredo, TX) to clash with the Longhorns in a 6A Region IV District 30 bout on Friday, January 5. The Longhorns go into the bout with a record of 17-7.

Next up, the Hawks clash with the Cedar Park Timberwolves (Cedar Park, TX) in a 5A Region IV District 25 bout, on Tuesday, January 2. Hays will attempt to upgrade on its 18-7 season record. The Timberwolves go into the bout with a 14-8 record after their 65-26 league win over Lockhart (Lockhart, TX).