Preview: Williston State Tetons at Miles Pioneers

MILES CITY, Mont. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the Miles Pioneers host the Williston State Tetons.

Both teams enter the contest with identical 5-9 records in all competitions, though Miles holds a 5-11 overall mark. The Pioneers won the previous meeting this season, 81-64 at Williston State on Jan. 12.

The game features a compelling matchup between two of the region’s top scorers. Williston State’s Josiah McDonald is averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last four games. He scored 28 points in a win over Lake Region State on Jan. 26 but was held to 13 points in the Jan. 12 loss to Miles.

Miles will counter with high-scoring guard Azenio Cossa, who is coming off a 37-point performance in a loss to Dawson on Feb. 1. Cossa torched the Tetons for 28 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the January victory. Over his last five games, he is averaging 30.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

The Tetons have shown offensive firepower, scoring 102 and 86 points in wins last month, but are looking to bounce back from a 112-83 road loss to North Dakota State College of Science on Jan. 29. Eden Hobbs added 23 points in that defeat.

Miles has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in its last five outings. Following the Jan. 12 win at Williston, the Pioneers defeated Lake Region State before narrow losses to North Dakota State College of Science and Dawson.

In the most recent head-to-head game prior to this season, Miles edged Williston State 104-100 on Nov. 1, 2025, suggesting another potentially close contest.

Thursday’s game is critical for both teams as they navigate the second half of their schedules. Williston State will look to avenge its earlier loss and split the season series, while Miles aims to build a winning streak on its home floor.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night at Miles Community College.