VINCENNES, Ind. (Interstat) — The Vincennes Trailblazers and Volunteer State Pioneers will open their 2025-26 men’s junior college basketball seasons against one another in the Kiwanis Classic on Friday, Oct. 31.

Both teams enter the contest with 0-0 records, looking to start anew after their 2023-24 campaigns ended in defeat. The Trailblazers fell 58-56 to Odessa in the NJCAA tournament on March 26, 2024. The Pioneers’ last outing was a 92-70 loss at Walters State on March 9, 2024.

The holiday matchup offers a clean slate for both programs. The winner will gain early momentum in the non-conference classic.

The game is the first of a busy opening month for both squads. Volunteer State will host Lincoln Trail the following day, Nov. 1. Vincennes is also set to play at home on Nov. 1, facing Columbia State.