GALLATIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Lincoln Trail Statesmen and Volunteer State Pioneers will open their 2025-26 men’s junior college basketball seasons against each other in the Kiwanis Classic on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Both teams enter the contest with 0-0 records, looking to establish a new identity after the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

Lincoln Trail is seeking a fresh start after its final game last season, an 80-54 home loss to Vincennes on March 11, 2024. The Statesmen will embark on a challenging early schedule following their matchup with the Pioneers, with a road game against Indian Hills and a rematch at Vincennes highlighting their next 10 contests.

Volunteer State also looks to turn the page from a season-ending 92-70 road loss to Walters State on March 9, 2024. The Pioneers’ upcoming slate features a key early conference test when they host Motlow State on Nov. 15, followed by a road rematch at Walters State on Nov. 22.

Saturday’s season-opening tip-off at the Kiwanis Classic will provide the first glimpse of how these two programs have retooled for the new campaign.