Preview: Miami Dade Sharks at Indian River State Pioneers

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Interstat) — Two Florida junior college men’s basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Saturday when the Miami Dade Sharks visit the Indian River State Pioneers.

The Sharks (4-3) enter on a two-game winning streak, most recently defeating Eastern Florida State 79-72 on the road Wednesday. The Pioneers (4-5) have been idle since a narrow 76-73 home loss to Pensacola State on Dec. 13, 2025.

Miami Dade is fueled by the hot hand of guard Anthony Breland. He scored 23 points in the win over Eastern Florida and poured in 22 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 71-68 victory over Hillsborough on Jan. 3. His backcourt partnership with David Verstraeten, who had 19 points and nine rebounds Wednesday, provides a potent scoring duo. Forward Leeroy Nijean adds a interior presence, coming off a 15-point, 12-rebound performance.

Indian River State will counter with a lineup that showed balance in its last outing despite the loss. Caleb Cameron scored 15 points, Adam Squire added 17 points and five rebounds, and Tamiel Green controlled the glass with 14 rebounds and 10 points against Pensacola State. The Pioneers’ offense has shown explosiveness, topping 100 points in a win over Southern Union State on Nov. 28, but defense has been a challenge, allowing an average of 84.2 points in their five losses.

This matchup begins a critical January stretch for both teams in region play. The Sharks have struggled on the road this season (1-2), while the Pioneers will look to protect their home court (3-2 at home).

The teams will meet again in Miami on Feb. 11.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Indian River State’s gymnasium.