St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltoppers (St. Johnsbury, VT) backers were in high spirits Saturday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the visiting Rutland Raiders (Rutland, VT), 36-31 in a non-league bout.

With the win, St. Johnsbury Academy upgrades its record to 5-0 on the season. The Hilltoppers host Champlain Valley Union (Hinesburg, VT) to play the Redhawks in a Metro bout on Wednesday, January 3. The Redhawks go into the bout with a record of 3-0. Champlain Valley Union won 46-35 in their recent non-league bout against Columbia (East Greenbush, NY)

Next up, the Raiders play the South Burlington Wolves (South Burlington, VT) in a non-league bout, on Wednesday, January 3. Rutland will attempt to upgrade on its 3-5 season record.