Preview: Region XIII Playoffs Set for Sunday Showdown Between Miles, Lake Region State

MILES CITY, Mont. (Interstat) — A season of struggles for both teams will be set aside Sunday when the Miles Pioneers host the Lake Region State Royals in a first-round men’s junior college basketball game at the Region XIII Playoffs.

The game, scheduled for March 1, 2026, features two teams seeking momentum in the postseason. Miles (5-14) enters as the home favorite, while Lake Region State (1-14) looks to replicate its lone victory of the season, which came against these same Pioneers.

Interstat’s ELO system projects Miles with a 73.80 percent probability to win. The teams split their regular-season series, each winning on their home court. Miles secured an 84-72 victory on Jan. 18, but Lake Region State answered with a 94-84 win on Feb. 8.

A key player to watch for the Royals is Dalen Leftbear. In the Feb. 8 victory over Miles, he logged 33 minutes, contributing 7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. He is coming off a 14-point, 5-rebound performance in a loss to Williston State on Feb. 19.

Both teams limp into the playoffs following difficult stretches. Lake Region State’s most recent game was a 134-85 home loss to Williston State on Feb. 19, despite 17 points from Akok Ajou and 14 points each from Leftbear and Remy Davis Warrington. The Royals have lost 13 of their last 14 games, with the only win in that span being the Feb. 8 triumph over Miles.

Miles last played on Feb. 9, falling 83-68 at North Dakota State College of Science. The Pioneers were led in that contest by Uwami Chongo’s 16-point, 15-rebound double-double and 15 points from Donnie Haney. Miles has lost five of its last six games.

The winner will advance in the Region XIII playoff bracket, keeping its season alive. For the loser, the difficult 2025-26 campaign will come to an end.