Highlanders Look to Extend Dominant Run Against Struggling Rams

WACO, Texas (Interstat) — The surging McLennan Highlanders, boasting one of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball records, visit the Southwestern Christian Rams on Wednesday night in a conference matchup.

McLennan (11-1) enters on a seven-game winning streak, most recently defeating Collin County 75-55 on the road Monday. The Highlanders’ offense has been overwhelming during this stretch, averaging 86 points per victory and winning by an average margin of 28.4 points.

A key catalyst is sophomore guard Amare Banks, who is coming off a spectacular 29-point performance in just 26 minutes in a 99-63 rout of Temple on Jan. 31. In his last two full contests, Banks has averaged 26 points and 4.5 rebounds, providing explosive scoring for a deep Highlanders squad.

Southwestern Christian (8-11) seeks stability after a 73-86 loss at Temple on Monday. The Rams have lost four of their last five games, with several defeats coming by narrow margins, including an 82-83 heartbreaker at Ranger on Jan. 21. Sophomore forward Elijah Clemons will look to provide a spark for the home team.

The Rams have shown flashes at home this season, including an 80-55 victory over Grayson on Jan. 7. Containing McLennan’s high-powered attack, however, presents a formidable challenge. The Highlanders’ lone loss was a one-point road defeat to Paris in November, and they have since avenged that with a dominant 11-game stretch.

Historically, this contest is the first of a home-and-home series to close the regular season, with the rematch scheduled for March 7 in Waco.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. CST at the Southwestern Christian College gymnasium. McLennan will next host Weatherford on Feb. 11, while Southwestern Christian travels to face Grayson on Feb. 7.