SELiveHot5: HUGE REMATCH SET FOR TONIGHT AS EAGLES TAKE 8-GAME WINNING STREAK TO EDISON STATE; WHAT ARE KEYS TO VICTORY FOR BOTH TEAMS?

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

HUGE REMATCH SET FOR TONIGHT AS EAGLES TAKE 8-GAME WINNING STREAK TO EDISON STATE; WHAT ARE KEYS TO VICTORY FOR BOTH TEAMS?

HUGE REMATCH SET FOR TONIGHT AS EAGLES TAKE 8-GAME WINNING STREAK TO EDISON STATE;

WHAT ARE KEYS TO VICTORY FOR BOTH TEAMS?

By Deon Cash

In a OCCAC season filled with drama, its only fitting that two local teams fight for a chance to sit near the top of the standings tonight.

Clark State (16-7, 8-3) will head to Edison State (14-7, 8-2) tonight as the two rival teams go at it. The game is slated for 7:30, following the girls game at 5:30.

Here's what we know about both teams:

CLARK STATE (16-7, 8-3)

The Eagles have amassed not one, but two 8-game winning streaks in Coach Alstork 3rd season as head coach, which is a school record.

They were probably the best team in the OCCAC until the favorite for Player of the Year (Brandon Cromer) was ruled ineligible, and a couple other players were casualties to injuries for a portion of the year.

Guard Nnamdi Ajaezu (6'3, 210) has had a All-America type season, and leads arguably the toughest defensive guard group in the country.

Combo guards Jaden Dunn & Tabias Thompson have stepped up and filled some key roles while Trevor Platten a 6'5 wing has become one of the top 3-point snipers in all of JUCO. Dumaka Azajezu has also had some big games for the Eagles.

Sophomore G-F Brandon Miller (6'4, 220) has stepped up into a bigger role, and is the unquestioned leader vocally on & off the court. His leadership has been crucial to the 8-game winning streak the team is on.

Coach Alstork has gotten good play from his bigs, lead by former Fairborn Skyhawk F-C Julius Pullen of late. Isaiah Richardson, a combo forward with dynamic athleticism and a big time skill set, has stepped up, and is showing he is D-1 caliber. With an elite coaching staff, the Eagles are a Top 20 team in the country and are top 5 in team scoring (95ppg) and steals on the season.

EDISON STATE (14-7, 8-2)

The Chargers have been elite all season, lead by their trio of hoopers in Dunbar grad Darien Leslie (17.0), Wayne Grad Malcolm Curry (17.7), and G- F Frank Latham (14.5). That trio combines for nearly 50 points per night.

All 3 are D-1 prospects and are one of the most explosive trios in the country.

They nearly defeated a Top 5 team earlier, as it came down to the wire.

Add guard Cashawn Ingram and you have a excellent mix of guards, not to mention top tier freshman A'zon Steele to boot.

In the front court the Chargers are leaning on bigs Sir Cox (6'10) and Chylan Ingram (6'7). Both of these guys gave been playing better and boast D-1 potential.

With G- F Kelvin Cotton-Cash (6'6) finding his rhythm, the Chargers are stacked with height in the paint. Latham also gets in the trenches and rebounds inside.

LAST MEETING WENT THE EAGLES WAY

The Chargers jumped out to a huge lead, only to be walked down by the upstart Eagles, as they came back to win with a gritty defensive stand in the 2nd half to pull off a incredible win.

Coach Alstork has had success against Edison State, but also knows that the Chargers are a top team and cannot be played with.

"They have a tough squad. They have some really good players. They are playing at a high level. We will be ready for the challenge." Alstork stated.

The winner of this game will have sole possession 2nd place in the OCCAC. Both teams will face Lakeland one more time this season. Lakeland is 9-1 and is atop the conference.

Expect a all-out intense performance tonight as both programs know what's on the line.

The rivalry resumes at 5:30 with the girls, while the boys follow.

EDISON STATE GIRLS LOOK TO STAY IN FIRST PLACE VS CLARK STATE

The Edison State girls will try to continue their winning ways tonight against the Eagles, who are trying to find a rhythm this season, which has been hard.