Preview: Region 11 Championship Set for Saturday

OTTUMWA, Iowa (Interstat) — The top-seeded Indian Hills Warriors will face a familiar postseason challenge when they host the Southeastern Blackhawks for the NJCAA Region 11 men’s basketball championship on Saturday.

Indian Hills (25-2), ranked among the nation’s elite all season, seeks to cap a dominant campaign with a regional title on its home floor. The Warriors have won 12 straight games, including a 107-55 rout of Highland (Ill.) in their last outing on Feb. 27. Their recent run features overwhelming victories, having scored 90 or more points in five of their last six contests.

The Warriors defeated Southeastern (15-10) in both regular-season meetings, winning 72-66 at home on Feb. 14 and 68-61 on the road Jan. 10. In the most recent matchup, Indian Hills’ balance overcame a strong effort from Southeastern’s Prophet Fields, who had 15 points.

Fields, a dynamic guard for the Blackhawks, enters the final in strong form. He posted 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in Southeastern’s 78-73 play-in victory over Marshalltown on Wednesday. Over his last seven games, Fields is averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Indian Hills counters with forward Chiang Ring, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in limited minutes against Highland. Ring had 16 points in just 12 minutes in a win over Marshalltown on Feb. 7, showcasing the Warriors’ deep and potent frontcourt.

Southeastern, which has won two straight, will need to control the tempo and limit turnovers against an Indian Hills squad that thrives in transition. The Blackhawks’ supporting cast, including Jaleel Donley and Aric Hines who combined for 28 points Wednesday, must provide consistent scoring.

The Warriors’ path has been marked by explosive offense and stifling defense, outscoring opponents by an average of 32 points during their winning streak. They have not lost since Jan. 22.

Saturday’s winner will advance to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Hellyer Center.