ATHENS, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Trinity Valley men’s basketball team will look to continue its dominant start to the season when it hosts the up-and-down Panola Ponies in a junior college matchup Saturday.

The Cardinals (10-1) have won nine consecutive games, most recently grinding out a 61-56 overtime road win against Angelina on Wednesday. That victory showcased their resilience and balance, with M.J. Wardlow scoring 14 points with five rebounds and five assists, Braylon Wenger adding a team-high 17 points and Zati Loubaki contributing 15 points.

Wardlow has been a model of consistency for TVCC, averaging 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last six games while serving as a primary facilitator. The Cardinals’ only loss came in their second game of the season at Midland on Nov. 14.

They will face a Panola squad (5-5) that has been inconsistent but is coming off its most impressive performance of the season, a 79-60 home win over Bossier Parish on Tuesday. The Ponies were led in that game by guard Aidan Agnew, who erupted for 22 points and six rebounds. Agnew has been a key barometer for Panola’s success, averaging 18.3 points in the team’s wins this season but just 5.7 points in their losses.

Panola’s frontcourt also made a major impact against Bossier Parish, with Benicio Leons pulling down 15 rebounds and CJ Worsham nearly recording a triple-double with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

The game will be held at the TVCC Canned Food Drive, a community-focused event. Trinity Valley will be heavily favored based on record and recent form, but the Ponies have shown they can be dangerous when Agnew and their interior players are productive simultaneously.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. For Trinity Valley, it is the final game before a holiday break, while Panola will look to build momentum before resuming its schedule at Blinn on Jan. 3.