Sparta Spartans (Sparta, NJ) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad bounce the host Pope John XXIII (Sparta, NJ), 53-31 in a league bout.

With the win, Sparta upgrades its record to 9-9 on the season. The Spartans travel to Hunterdon Central (Flemington, NJ) to play the Red Devils in a non-league bout on Saturday, February 3. The Red Devils go into the bout with a record of 15-7. Hunterdon Central lost 59-40 in their recent league bout against Bridgewater-Raritan (Bridgewater, NJ)

Next up, the play the High Point Wildcats (Sussex, NJ) in a non-league bout, on Saturday, February 3. Pope John XXIII will attempt to upgrade on its 0-17 season record. The Wildcats go into the bout with a 13-5 record after their 65-60 non-league win over Dover (Dover, NJ).