Preview: Southeastern Blackhawks at Highland (Ill.) Cougars

FREEPORT, Ill. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams hovering near .500 will meet Saturday when the Southeastern Blackhawks visit the Highland (Ill.) Cougars.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Highland Community College.

Southeastern (6-5) enters with a slight edge in the standings over Highland (5-6). The Blackhawks are coming off a 67-60 road win over Malcolm X on Wednesday. The Cougars last played on Dec. 6, falling 86-80 to Malcolm X at home.

The teams met earlier this season on Nov. 12, with Southeastern securing a 73-64 home victory.

A key matchup will feature Southeastern guard Jacob Franklin against Highland’s interior force, Chin Hanson. Franklin is a dynamic scorer for the Blackhawks, coming off a 20-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance in a win over Kankakee. He also scored 29 points in a loss to Moberly Area on Nov. 22.

Hanson has been a defensive anchor and rebounding machine for the Cougars. In the loss to Malcolm X, he posted 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He recorded 15 rebounds and seven blocks in a win over Kennedy-King on Dec. 2.

Southeastern’s season has been marked by streaks, alternating between two-game winning and two-game losing stretches. Highland has struggled for consistency, dropping three of its last four contests.

The game represents a chance for both squads to build momentum before the holiday break. For Highland, it’s an opportunity for revenge after the early-season loss. For Southeastern, a road win would solidify a winning record heading into the new year.

Following this contest, Southeastern’s next game is at home against Indian Hills on Jan. 10, 2026. Highland travels to face Triton on Jan. 7, 2026. The teams will meet again in Highland on Feb. 18, 2026.