Preview: Olney Central at Shawnee, Men’s Junior College Basketball

ULLIN, Ill. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Olney Central Blue Knights visit the Shawnee Saints.

The non-conference matchup, set for Jan. 10, 2026, pits teams with nearly identical early-season struggles. The visiting Blue Knights enter with a 2-5 overall record, while the Saints are 3-4.

Shawnee will look to snap a two-game skid, having suffered road losses at Vincennes (102-79) and Dyersburg State (102-89) last week. The Saints’ offense has flowed through guard Derek Shepard, who has been a bright spot during the losing streak. Shepard poured in 26 points with four assists against Vincennes on Jan. 7, following a 20-point performance at Dyersburg State.

Olney Central has not played since a 78-56 home loss to Moberly Area on Dec. 6, 2025, a layoff of over a month. Their last victory came on Dec. 4, a 78-75 home win over State Fair. The Blue Knights have struggled on the road this season, losing all three contests away from home by an average margin of 24 points.

Shawnee holds a 2-1 record at home this season, with wins over Southwestern Illinois (82-70) and Dyersburg State (74-65). Their lone home defeat was a narrow 66-64 loss to Three Rivers on Dec. 3.

For Olney Central, the extended break could provide a reset for a team that has been outscored by an average of 19 points in its five losses. Containing Shepard will be a primary defensive focus for the Blue Knights.

The game is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series between the schools. They are scheduled to meet again at Olney Central on Feb. 14.

Following this contest, Shawnee opens a tough stretch, traveling to face Wabash Valley on Jan. 14. Olney Central returns home to host John A Logan on Jan. 14.