Fans at Friday's non-league challenge between the Merkel Badgers (Merkel, TX) and the host Seymour Panthers (Seymour, TX), saw Merkel's basketball squad hold off Seymour by a tally of 41-34.

With the victory, Merkel improves its record to 16-5 on the campaign. The Badgers travel to Wildorado (Wildorado, TX) to play the Mustangs in a non-league challenge on Friday, December 29. The Mustangs come into the challenge with a record of 10-5. Wildorado lost 54-39 in their recent non-league challenge against Vega (Vega, TX)

Next up, the Panthers play the Alpine Bucks (Alpine, TX) in a non-league challenge, on Saturday, December 30. Seymour will attempt to improve on its 7-9 season record. The Bucks come into the challenge with a 4-13 record after their 54-35 non-league loss to Happy (Happy, TX).