SHAWNEE (Interstat) — The Shawnee Saints opened their men’s junior college basketball season with a 74-65 victory over the Dyersburg State Eagles on Friday. Shawnee, which led 37-20 at halftime, never trailed. Derek Shepard led the Saints with 19 points and seven rebounds, while James Deloach added 14 points. The Eagles mounted a second-half comeback, outscoring Shawnee 45-37 after the break, but could not close the gap. With the win, Shawnee starts 1-0, while Dyersburg State begins its season 0-1. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 3, 2026, in Dyersburg.