Independence Wildcats (Independence, MS) backers were in high spirits Saturday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the host Durant Tigers (Durant, MS), 54-48 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Independence upgrades its record to 9-8 on the season. The Wildcats travel to Water Valley (Water Valley, MS) to play the Blue Devils in a 3A Region 2 bout on Tuesday, January 5. The Blue Devils go into the bout with a record of 1-9. Water Valley lost 60-45 in their recent league bout against North Panola (Sardis, MS)

Next up, the Tigers play the McAdams Bulldogs (McAdams, MS) in a 1A Region 5 bout, on Friday, January 8. Durant will attempt to upgrade on its 5-6 season record. The Bulldogs go into the bout with a 9-5 record after their 82-54 non-league win over Noxapater (Noxapater, MS).