WILLISTON, N.D. — The Williston State College men's basketball team tipped off its 2025–26 season with a strong showing at the MonDak Tip-Off Tournament, finishing 2–1 after a thrilling weekend of high-scoring battles. The Tetons defeated North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) 74–68 to open the tournament, dropped a 104–100 shootout to Miles Community College, and capped the weekend with a hard-fought 97–94 win over Lake Region State College (LRSC).

Game 1: Williston State 74, NDSCS 68

The Tetons opened their season with a statement win over perennial conference contender NDSCS, riding efficient shooting and defensive composure to victory.

Sophomore guard Josiah McDonald led the way with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding five rebounds and three steals. Carson Haerer scored 17 points while connecting on two three-pointers, and Eden Hobbs added a steady 16 points and eight rebounds in a complete performance.

Williston State shot 51.7% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc while holding NDSCS to just 31.3% shooting overall. The Tetons' rebounding advantage (38–39) and balanced scoring helped them pull away late to secure the 74–68 win.

Game 2: Miles CC 104, Williston State 100

In one of the most entertaining games of the weekend, Williston State fell just short in a high-octane offensive battle with Miles Community College.

McDonald exploded for 43 points on 18-of-30 shooting, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels. Haerer chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Grantham Milner added 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Freshman forward Andrew Sauer contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.

Despite shooting an impressive 55.4% from the field, the Tetons couldn't contain Miles' dynamic guard Azenio Cossa, who dropped 34 points. A late run by Williston fell short as Miles held on to win 104–100.

Game 3: Williston State 97, LRSC 94

The Tetons bounced back in dramatic fashion, edging Lake Region State in another offensive thriller.

Hobbs led the charge with 35 points, hitting seven three-pointers in an electric performance. McDonald added a double-double with 33 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the paint and the perimeter alike. Sauer again provided valuable minutes off the bench, notching 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Williston State controlled the glass with a 47–39 rebounding advantage and shot 40.7% from deep. Despite a late surge from Lake Region, the Tetons held on down the stretch to secure their second win of the young season.

Early Takeaways

Through three games, the Tetons have shown offensive firepower and resilience, averaging over 90 points per game. McDonald has emerged as the team's early-season standout, averaging 32.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game across the tournament. Hobbs and Haerer have provided steady scoring and leadership, while Sauer and Milner have made key contributions in the frontcourt.

Stat Leaders (Tournament Averages):

• Josiah McDonald: 32.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG

• Eden Hobbs: 20.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG

• Carson Haerer: 12.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG

• Team FG%: 51.2%

• 3PT%: 36.5%