Winless Royals Seek First Victory Against Tetons in Junior College Matchup

WILLISTON, N.D. (Interstat) — The Lake Region State Royals will look to snap a season-opening 10-game skid when they visit the Williston State Tetons in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday night.

The Royals (0-10) enter still searching for their first win of the 2025-26 campaign, while the Tetons (4-8) aim to build momentum after a decisive 86-68 home victory over Dawson on Jan. 22.

Lake Region State has shown recent signs of competitiveness despite its record, falling just short in a 90-87 road loss to Dawson on Jan. 19. In that game, forward Akok Ajou posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ajou has been a consistent presence, averaging 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last three contests.

Williston State counters with guard Eden Hobbs, who is coming off a season-high 28-point performance in the win over Dawson. Hobbs has averaged 26.5 points over his last two games, providing a primary scoring punch for the Tetons.

The teams met earlier this season on Nov. 2, with Williston State escaping with a 97-94 road victory. That result adds a layer of familiarity to Monday’s rematch.

For Lake Region State, ending the losing streak will likely require another strong effort from Ajou and support from guards Remy Davis Warrington, who dished out eight assists against Dawson, and Dalen Leftbear, who scored 20 points in that contest.

Williston State will rely on Hobbs’ hot hand and the all-around play of Josiah McDonald, who recorded a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double last week.

The game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference foes, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 19 in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Following Monday’s contest, Williston State travels to face North Dakota State College of Science on Jan. 29. Lake Region State’s next game is at home against NDSCS on Feb. 1.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Central Time at the Well.