New Deal Lions (New Deal, TX) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Hale Center Owls (Hale Center, TX), 61-48 in a league bout.

With the win, New Deal upgrades its record to 19-8 on the season. The Lions host Sudan (Sudan, TX) to play the Hornets in a 2A Region I District 4 bout on Tuesday, February 7. The Hornets go into the bout with a record of 1-15. Sudan lost 41-38 in their recent league bout against Smyer (Smyer, TX)

Next up, the Owls play the Lockney Longhorns (Lockney, TX) in a 2A Region I District 4 bout, on Tuesday, February 7. Hale Center will attempt to upgrade on its 11-14 season record. The Longhorns go into the bout with a 12-13 record after their 70-38 league loss to Olton (Olton, TX).