Central Panthers (Independence, OR) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting South Albany Redhawks (Albany, OR), 56-55 in a league bout.

With the victory, Central upgrades its record to 11-6 on the campaign. The Panthers host Silverton (Silverton, OR) to play the Foxes in a 5A Mid-Willamette bout on Tuesday, February 7. The Foxes come into the bout with a record of 10-9. Silverton won 49-43 in their recent league bout against Lebanon (Lebanon, OR)

Next up, the Redhawks play the McKay Royal Scots (Salem, OR) in a 5A Mid-Willamette bout, on Tuesday, February 7. South Albany will attempt to upgrade on its 5-9 season record. The Royal Scots come into the bout with a 3-14 record after their 51-37 league loss to Crescent Valley (Corvallis, OR).