L'Anse Purple Hornets (L'Anse, MI) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad nip the visiting Ishpeming Hematites (Ishpeming, MI), 77-74 in a non-league bout.

With the win, L'Anse upgrades its record to 4-2 on the season. The Purple Hornets travel to Houghton (Houghton, MI) to play the Gremlins in a Western Peninsula bout on Monday, January 9. The Gremlins go into the bout with a record of 2-4. Houghton lost 45-41 in their recent non-league bout against Northland Pines (Eagle River, WI)

Next up, the Hematites play the Negaunee Miners (Negaunee, MI) in a Mid-Peninsula bout, on Wednesday, January 11. Ishpeming will attempt to upgrade on its 5-1 season record. The Miners go into the bout with a 6-1 record after their 57-34 non-league win over Escanaba (Escanaba, MI).