Region XIII Championship Showdown Set for Sunday

WAHPETON, N.D. (Interstat) — A rubber match with a title on the line will unfold Sunday when the Dawson Buccaneers and North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats clash for the Region XIII men’s junior college basketball championship.

The top-seeded Buccaneers (18-8) enter as the visiting team against the second-seeded Wildcats (9-3) in a contest scheduled for March 8 at NDSCS. The teams split their regular-season series, each winning on their home floor, setting the stage for a neutral-court decider.

Dawson, which averaged 104 points in its two playoff victories, boasts a potent offense led by sophomore guard Brandon Hymes. He is coming off a 21-point, six-assist performance in a 109-66 semifinal rout of Williston State on March 4. In Dawson’s 85-89 road loss to NDSCS on Feb. 8, Hymes posted 19 points and eight rebounds.

The Wildcats counter with their own standout, sophomore forward Jikany Deang. He dominated the semifinals with 28 points and seven rebounds in an 89-77 win over Miles. Deang was pivotal in the Feb. 8 victory over Dawson, contributing 18 points and two blocks.

NDSCS won the most recent meeting 89-85 on Feb. 8, but Dawson delivered a decisive 110-89 win in their Jan. 18 matchup. The Wildcats’ efficient 9-3 record reflects a strong in-region performance, though their schedule has featured fewer games than Dawson’s.

The Buccaneers’ path included a high-scoring 134-88 win at Lake Region State on Feb. 9, showcasing their offensive depth. NDSCS has relied on a stout defense, holding opponents to an average of 68 points in their last three wins.

Sunday’s championship winner will secure a berth in the NJCAA national tournament. With both teams featuring elite scorers and a split season series, the Region XIII final promises a tightly contested battle for the crown.