Highlanders Host Cougars in Key Junior College Men’s Basketball Clash

WACO, Texas (Interstat) — A dominant McLennan Highlanders squad, boasting one of the nation’s top junior college records, will host the surging Collin County Cougars in a men’s basketball rematch on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

The Highlanders (15-1), whose only loss this season came against an out-of-region opponent, have been nearly untouchable. They enter on a nine-game winning streak, including a commanding 90-57 victory over Grayson last Saturday. In that game, Howard Gaskins Jr. led a balanced attack with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

McLennan handed Collin County (14-6) its most lopsided defeat of the season just over three weeks ago, winning 75-55 on the Cougars’ home floor on Feb. 2. In that contest, the Highlanders’ defense stifled Collin County, holding them to a season-low in points.

Since that loss, however, the Cougars have won five of their last six games. They are coming off a 73-51 win over Hill where guard David Chong erupted for 25 points and six rebounds. Chong has been a consistent force, averaging 18.3 points over his last six outings. His backcourt mate, Jayden Ramnanan, added 15 points and five assists in the win over Hill.

The matchup pits McLennan’s formidable consistency against a Collin County team seeking redemption and a statement road win. The Highlanders have won their games by an average margin of 22.6 points during their current streak. The Cougars, meanwhile, have shown resilience, with their only recent setback being a 16-point loss to Ranger on Feb. 14.

For McLennan, containing Chong will be a priority, while Collin County must find an answer for McLennan’s deep and efficient rotation, led by Gaskins Jr. A victory for the Highlanders would solidify their top standing, while the Cougars aim to prove their late-season form can topple the region’s best.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at McLennan’s home court.