GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — A surging Cloud County team visits a Garden City squad looking to rebound in a key Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Conestoga Arena.

The Garden City Broncbusters (9-5) host the Cloud County Thunderbirds (6-7) in a contest featuring teams on opposite trajectories entering January. Cloud County has won two straight, including a 92-73 road victory at Fort Hays Tech on Wednesday. Garden City aims to halt a two-game skid after a 92-83 loss at Dodge City that same night.

Cloud County’s recent success is fueled by forward DJ Holloway, who is coming off a dominant 22-point, 12-rebound performance at Fort Hays Tech. Over his last three games, Holloway is averaging 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds. He forms a formidable frontcourt duo with Manasseh Stackhouse, who added 26 points and 10 rebounds in the latest win. Guard Syncere Burnette facilitates the offense, dishing 10 assists against Fort Hays Tech.

Garden City will counter with its own standout forward, Xavier Johnson. He scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the loss to Dodge City, demonstrating his scoring punch. The Broncbusters boast a high-powered offense, evidenced by a 111-point outburst at Barton last month, but have shown defensive vulnerability in recent losses.

The Thunderbirds seek their first three-game winning streak of the season and will rely on their improving defense, which held its last two opponents under 75 points. Garden City, with a superior overall record, will look to protect its home court and leverage its offensive depth, which includes Dasean Lewis and Zaire Lott, who scored 19 points off the bench Wednesday.

Saturday’s result could prove pivotal for conference positioning as both teams navigate a rigorous January schedule. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. local time.