Barton Bears (Lexa, AR) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Palestine-Wheatley Patriots (Palestine, AR), 68-66 in a league bout.

With the victory, Barton upgrades its record to 15-2 on the campaign. The Bears travel to Lee (Marianna, AR) to play the Trojans in a 2A Region 6 bout on Friday, February 2. The Trojans come into the bout with a record of 14-6. Lee won 93-48 in their recent league bout against KIPP Delta (Helena, AR)

Next up, the Patriots play the Carlisle Bison (Carlisle, AR) in a 2A Region 6 bout, on Friday, February 2. Palestine-Wheatley will attempt to upgrade on its 9-12 season record. The Bison come into the bout with a 10-9 record after their 69-44 league loss to KIPP Delta (Helena, AR).