NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (Interstat) — Two Region IX men’s junior college basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Friday when the North Platte Knights host the Trinidad State Trojans.

The Knights (6-6) enter on a two-game winning streak, including an 85-81 road victory at McCook on Jan. 10. Guard Brady Kennison powered that win, scoring 23 points and adding six rebounds and six assists in a standout all-around performance. North Platte has shown offensive potency, scoring 95 or more points in three of its wins this season.

Conversely, the visiting Trojans (7-9) have lost five of their last seven games. They snapped a three-game skid with a narrow 85-84 home win over Laramie County on Jan. 9. Trinidad State relies heavily on forward Manning Shareef, who recorded a double-double with 9 points and 11 rebounds in just 18 minutes off the bench in that victory. Support came from Demorae Pritchett and Donavahan Cain, who each added 10 points.

The matchup presents a contrast in consistency. North Platte has hovered around .500, with its results rarely deviating beyond a 12-point margin. Trinidad State’s season has been more volatile, featuring both a 102-point offensive outburst and a 44-point scoring low.

Friday’s contest will be the first of a crucial back-to-back for both squads. North Platte will host Otero on Saturday, while Trinidad State travels to face McCook.

Key to the game will be whether North Platte’s Kennison can continue his dynamic playmaking against a Trinidad State defense that has struggled at times. The Trojans will need Shareef’s interior presence and rebounding to counter the Knights’ balanced attack, which saw Josh Osayanrhion grab 15 rebounds against McCook.

Tipoff is set for Friday night at North Platte Community College.