Preview: Kankakee Cavaliers at Indian Hills Warriors

OTTUMWA, Iowa (Interstat) — A surging Kankakee squad aims to hand national junior college power Indian Hills a rare home loss when the men’s basketball teams meet Wednesday night.

The Indian Hills Warriors (16-2), boasting one of the top records in NJCAA Division I, host the Kankakee Cavaliers (9-5) at Hellyer Center. The Warriors have won three straight, including an 85-81 road victory over Highland (Ill.) on Jan. 22. Their last home game was a 94-71 rout of Triton on Jan. 13, fueled by 29 points from standout guard Chaz Watson.

Watson, whose 27-minute, 29-point performance against Triton highlights his scoring prowess, leads a deep and efficient Indian Hills offense. The Warriors’ only two losses this season came against Mineral Area and in a tight game against North Idaho.

Kankakee arrives with momentum, riding a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers are coming off a dominant 92-64 home win over Highland (Ill.) on Saturday, where guard Nashawn Holmes exploded for 23 points in just one minute of play, according to available statistics. Holmes has been a key catalyst during the streak, scoring 20 or more points in two of the last four contests.

Supporting Holmes in the win over Highland were Santana Flowers (16 points, 7 rebounds) and Ricardo Corvil (8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks). The Cavaliers’ current run includes road wins at Wilbur Wright, Richard J. Daley and Kennedy-King.

This matchup presents a stark contrast in schedules, with Indian Hills competing in a rigorous national slate and Kankakee navigating a regional circuit. The Warriors will look to defend their home court, where they have been dominant this season, while the Cavaliers seek a statement victory against a top-tier opponent.

Following this game, Indian Hills hosts Sauk Valley on Saturday. Kankakee’s next contest is at home against Sauk Valley on Feb. 7.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in Ottumwa.