Preview: Paris Dragons at Panola Ponies

CARTHAGE, Texas (Interstat) — A tightly contested men’s junior college basketball matchup is projected Wednesday when the Panola Ponies host the Paris Dragons.

The game at the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium pits Panola (15-12) against Paris (12-13). A Interstat game simulator forecasts a 100-100 draw, underscoring the anticipated competitiveness.

Panola won the previous meeting this season, 76-65 at Paris on Jan. 14.

The Ponies enter on a high note after a 72-56 road victory over Tyler on Saturday. Forward Aidan Agnew was a standout in that win, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds in just one minute of play, highlighting a dominant team performance.

Paris also rides momentum from a decisive 93-73 home win against Coastal Bend on Saturday. Guard Odis Carter, Jr. led the Dragons with 19 points in 35 minutes. Carter has been a key scorer for Paris, averaging 15.8 points over his last five games where he saw significant minutes, including an 18-point effort in a win at Lamar State-Port Arthur on Feb. 7.

Recent form favors Paris, which has won three of its last five games. Panola has struggled lately, dropping three of its last five, including losses to Kilgore and Trinity Valley in late February.

The game carries weight for postseason positioning as the regular season winds down. Paris will look to Carter, Jr. and teammates Amari Brown and Samuel Johnson, who combined for 48 points in Saturday’s win, to avenge January’s loss. Panola will counter with its balanced attack, led by Agnew and Tait Spencer, who had 15 points and seven rebounds against Tyler.

Paris visits Lamar State-Port Arthur on Friday. Panola hosts Kilgore on Saturday.