Preview: Panola Visits Lee in Key Junior College Men’s Basketball Clash

BAYTOWN, Texas (Interstat) — A tightly contested Region XIV men’s junior college basketball game is expected Wednesday when the Panola Ponies visit the Lee College Runnin’ Rebels.

The game, set for Feb. 18, 2026, features two teams jockeying for postseason positioning. Panola enters with a 13-10 overall record, while Lee sits at 11-9. Their only previous meeting this season was a narrow 69-66 victory for Lee at Panola on Dec. 6.

Panola arrives riding a three-game winning streak, including a 79-50 rout of Coastal Bend on Saturday. Forward George Bellevue has been a catalyst during the streak, posting a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds in that win. Over his last three games, Bellevue is averaging 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. He is complemented by Akinde Redhead and CJ Worsham, who combined for 21 points and 15 rebounds against Coastal Bend.

Lee is also coming off a dominant performance, having defeated Paris 80-53 on the road Saturday. Guard Jayden Thomas led the way with 17 points. The Runnin’ Rebels have shown offensive firepower at home this season, including a 95-point outing against Lamar State-Port Arthur in January.

Defensive consistency will be a key factor. Panola has held opponents under 70 points in its three consecutive wins. Lee’s defense, however, has been uneven, allowing 81 points in a double-overtime loss to Tyler before holding its last two opponents to an average of 55.5 points.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is a toss-up, projecting a 100-100 draw. The outcome could hinge on which team controls the paint and limits turnovers in a rivalry game historically decided by single digits.

Following this matchup, Panola hosts Trinity Valley on Saturday, while Lee prepares to welcome Navarro.