GILLETTE, Wyo. (Interstat) — A pair of men’s junior college teams on the fringe of the Region IX standings will look to gain momentum when the Northwest College Trappers visit the Gillette College Pronghorns on Saturday.

The game, set for Jan. 24, 2026, at Gillette College, features two squads with nearly identical records. The visiting Trappers enter at 8-7, while the homestanding Pronghorns are 9-7.

The matchup will highlight two of the region’s top scorers in a potential shootout. Northwest is led by guard Mateo Trujillo, who has been a consistent force. He is averaging 18.0 points per game over his last five contests, including an 18-point, five-assist performance in a 62-57 home loss to Western Wyoming on Wednesday.

Gillette counters with the hot hand of Rashad McCormick. The guard erupted for 31 points in the Pronghorns’ last outing, a 100-89 road win at Eastern Wyoming on Wednesday. Over his last four full games, McCormick is averaging 26.5 points, showcasing his ability to carry the offensive load.

Both teams are coming off contrasting midweek results. Northwest seeks to rebound from its defensive struggle against Western Wyoming, where it managed only 57 points. Gillette rides high after its century-mark offensive explosion, though it required overtime to secure a 64-58 win over Central Wyoming in its previous home game on Jan. 17.

Recent history suggests a close contest. The Trappers have shown resilience, winning an overtime game against Laramie County on Jan. 15, while the Pronghorns’ last three games have been decided by an average of just five points.

The outcome could hinge on which star guard outperforms the other and which team establishes its preferred tempo. Northwest will aim to control the pace behind Trujillo’s playmaking, while Gillette will look to fuel its offense through McCormick’s scoring bursts in front of the home crowd.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Powell, Wyoming, on Feb. 14.