CLAREMORE, Okla. – Hillcat men's basketball will open the 2026-27 campaign this weekend at the inaugural Tulsa Tip-Off Classic, presented by Mowery Funeral Service, at the Union Multipurpose Activity Center.
 
The Hillcats will take on the Henderson State Reddies at 5 p.m. on Friday and Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday at 5 p.m.
 
"Obviously, we've got quite a bit of turnover, which is college sports these days. But I have thoroughly enjoyed every single day walking into the gym and working with these guys," said head coach Justin Barkley, who enters his 17th season at the helm of the program. "It's been an easy team to approach and correct. I've been really lucky to be around 14 young men who show up eager to learn and get better daily. It's still very early, but I'm excited about what our potential ceiling can be."
 
HOSTING THE INAUGURAL TULSA TIP-OFF CLASSIC
RSU will open the season in T-Town at the inaugural Tulsa Tip-Off Classic, presented by Mowery Funeral Service.
 
"We're very fortunate this event came together," Barkley said. "I spoke with a few coaches about the idea of having a neutral site facility in a city that's easy to travel to, with plenty of hotel space and gyms nearby. Oklahoma has many small colleges, and it's a great opportunity to showcase programs from our area as well as some major programs from outside the state. To have eight teams for the inaugural Tulsa Tip-Off Classy is exciting.
 
Barkley added, "I'm thankful to Union High School for partnering with us to host the tournament. It's a great opportunity for Rogers State to engage the local market and hopefully start off strong. I also want to express my gratitude to our initial sponsors, Mowery Funeral Service and Waldo's Chicken and Beer. Organizing an event like this requires a collective effort, and we're thankful for those who support what we're building at Rogers State. Without their help, we wouldn't be able to host the Tulsa Tip-Off Classic."
 
The Hillcats begin their season Friday night against Henderson State. Last season, HSU finished eighth in the Great American Conference (GAC) with an 11-18 overall record and an 8-14 conference mark. In the GAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Reddies were picked to finish fifth with 76 points. They opened this season with a 117-62 home win over Hendrix College last Tuesday.
 
The teams will meet for the first time since 2019, with the series tied 1-1. RSU defeated HSU 82-70 in the last meeting at the MIAA/GAC Conference Challenge at Cedar Valley College. Marques Sumner led the Hillcats with 21 points, and Jett Sternberger added 17.
 
Rogers State will close out the invitational Saturday against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Javelinas finished the 2025-26 season 13-16 (10-10 GAC), placing eighth in the Lone Star Conference (LSC). They were ranked ninth in the LSC Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 439 points. TAMK will face Northeastern on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
 
RSU won the first meeting between the schools last year at the River City Holiday Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Jabryn Anderson's triple-double led the Hillcats to an 87-59 win over the Javelinas. Anderson joined Saint Hilaire (2019) as the second Hillcat to record a triple-double.
 
SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 13
Arkansas-Fort Smith vs. East Central at 12 p.m.
Central Missouri vs. Southern Arkansas at 2:30 p.m.
Rogers State vs. Henderson State at 5 p.m.
Northeastern State vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7:30 p.m.
 
Saturday, Nov. 14
Southern Arkansas vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith at 12 p.m.
East Central vs. Central Missouri at 2:30 p.m.
Rogers State vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville at 5 p.m.
Northeastern State vs. Henderson State at 7:30 p.m.
 
For more information, visit Tulsa Tip-Off Classic - Rogers State University Athletics.
 
LOOKING TO BUILD ON A HISTORIC 2025-26 CAMPAIGN
The 2025-26 season was memorable for Barkley's Hillcats, who finished 21-11 (13-6 MIAA) and earned their second at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. This marked their second straight 20-win season.
 
The Hillcats finished non-conference play with a 6-3 record, with key wins over Harding (88-61), Southern Arkansas (96-88), Southeastern Oklahoma State (83-65), and Texas A&M-Kingsville (87-59).
 
After a bumpy start to conference play, the Cats flipped the switch after the New Year with back-to-back wins, including their highest-ranked victory of the NCAA Division II era against No. 5 Arkansas-Fort Smith, 73-61. Two games later, Barkley collected his 300th career win in a mid-week thriller against Pittsburg State, 64-59, at the Claremore Expo Center. In the following game, senior Caden Fry broke the program's all-time rebounds record with his 527th board.
 
RSU finished the regular season with momentum, winning eight of their final 10 games, including a second top-25 victory of the season against No. 25 Central Missouri. Notably, in a win over rival NSU, senior Andrew Mason broke the career blocks record with his 48th block in just his 53rd game in Red and Navy.
 
After finishing third in the regular season standings, the Hillcats earned their spot in the MIAA Tournament for the seventh consecutive season and reached the championship game for the first time since joining the MIAA. They achieved a program-best runner-up finish, the best since joining the conference in 2019, after securing victories over Fort Hays State, 70-63, and Missouri Southern, 72-70. Senior Jabryn Anderson was named to the 2026 MIAA Championship All-Tournament Team.
 
Anderson was named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team and the All-MIAA Second Team, contributing to the Hillcats' four selections. Fry and Mason both earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors for the second consecutive season. Tim Jordan Jr. also earned his second All-MIAA Honorable Mention, matching the recognition he received as a freshman at Central Missouri. This marks the highest number of MIAA award winners for the Hillcats since the 2019-20 season, when Tavian Davis, Christopher Miller, Brewster Peacock, and Marques Sumner were honored.
 
For the second time in program history, Rogers State men's basketball has earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, receiving the No. 6 seed in the Central Region. RSU held a slim halftime lead, 38-37, but the Central Missouri Mules surged in the second half, outscoring RSU 51-39 with a late 14-0 run. This marked RSU's first tournament game, as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled their first and only other appearance.
 
REMAINING NON-CONFERENCE SLATE
RSU's home opener is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 18 against the University of the Ozarks. The Hillcats will host Ottawa at 7 p.m. the following Monday.
 
The team will travel to Las Vegas for the D2 Jackpot Classic on Nov. 27-28, facing California State-San Bernardino at 3:30 p.m. (CT) Friday and Texas A&M International at 1:15 p.m. (CT) Saturday.
 
"We have always tried to position ourselves not just as a strong program within our state, but also regionally and now even on the national level," Barkley said. "A few years ago, we participated in a tip-off tournament in Billings, Montana, to kick off the Division II season. We've also competed in Las Vegas against national competition, including the top-ranked team in the country at that time, and we traveled to San Antonio last two seasons to face top-10 teams. These two teams will challenge us and help prepare us for conference play. We went to put the program on the national map, continue pushing the envelope, and create opportunities for our student-athletes."
 
MIAA AT A GLANCE
The Hillcats look to repeat their strong showing in the MIAA after a historic 2025-26 season. They finished third in the league behind undisputed champion Washburn and Central Missouri.
 
Rogers State men's basketball was picked to finish sixth in the coaches' poll. The Hillcats received 111 points in the coaches' poll, placing them behind Missouri Southern (120 points) and Arkansas-Fort Smith (114 points). Defending champion Washburn led the coaches' poll with 168 points, including 12 first-place votes, followed by Central Missouri with 154 points and Missouri Western with 123 points.
 
"Transitioning from 19 or 20 league games to 22 has definitely made things a bit tougher," Barkley said. "Our league is highly respected. As I begin my 17th year here, I can confidently say that this league will make you tougher. It will help you become a better coach and elevate the level of your program. Day-to-day performance will be challenged both physically and mentally. I appreciate that there aren't any easy nights; while this might be the norm, it's an important aspect of the competition. It's incredibly difficult just to qualify for the conference tournament, let alone improve your standings. Every night, you need to be at your best, or you will face challenges that can put you in uncomfortable situations."
 
MIAA play will begin at home Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. against Central Oklahoma. Other home games include matchups against Pittsburg State on Dec. 9, Missouri Southern on Dec. 12, Northwest Missouri State on Dec. 31, Missouri Western on Jan. 2, Northeastern State on Jan. 13, and Arkansas-Fort Smith on Jan. 16. Down the final stretch, the Hillcats will host Fort Hays State on Feb. 4, Nebraska-Kearney on Feb. 6, Central Missouri on Feb. 18, and Washburn on Senior Day, Feb. 20.
 
Rogers State will begin MIAA road play in Kearney, Nebraska, against Nebraska-Kearney on Dec. 18, followed by a game at Fort Hays State on Dec. 20. Additional road games include matchups at Washburn on Jan. 7, Central Missouri on Jan. 9, Northeastern State on Jan. 20, Emporia State on Jan. 24, Missouri Southern on Jan. 27, Pittsburg State on Jan. 30, Central Oklahoma on Feb. 13, Northeastern State on Feb. 24 and Arkansas-Fort Smith on Feb. 27.
The MIAA Tournament is scheduled for March 4-7 at Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. RSU advanced to the championship game for the first time in program history last season after thrilling victories over Fort Hays State and Missouri Southern.
 
 
MEET THE HILLCATS
The 2025-26 season roster features 14 players, including seven returners, four transfers, and three freshmen.
 
THE SENIORS
Jordan Jr., a two-time All-MIAA honoree who earned honorable mention last year, returns for his second season on the Hill. The forward from Saginaw, Michigan, appeared in all 32 games last season and made 31 starts. He led the team with 437 points, averaging 13.7 per game, and shot 50.0% from the field and 82.5% from the free-throw line. He also totaled 152 rebounds, 31 assists, 21 blocks, and 17 steals. Jordan grabbed a season-high nine rebounds against Dallas Baptist on Dec. 16 and Missouri Western on Feb. 5. He made a season-high 10 free throws against Newman on Jan. 31 and Central Missouri on Feb. 19 and scored a season-high 25 points at Arkansas-Fort Smith on Feb. 28.
 
"We were really fortunate to land Tim in the recruiting process," Barkley said of Jordan Jr. "Boy, he's such a joy to be around. He's coachable. He's a pleaser. He's a young man who is all about the team. Just starting with what we have returning, a young man who has had the success he has in our league gives you a bit of comfort. He understands what it takes, night in and night out. He's obviously someone we will rely heavily on as we move forward."
 
Damondre McKnight played in all 32 games last season, making nine starts. The guard from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, totaled 281 points, 89 rebounds, 82 assists, and 43 steals. He shot 46.3% (101-of-218) from the field, 35.1% (39-of-111) from 3-point range, and 70.2% (40-of-57) from the free-throw line. McKnight scored a season-high 22 points on nine field goals against Emporia State on Jan. 29. He grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, including seven defensive boards, in the MIAA Championship semifinal against Missouri Southern State on March 7. He also hit the game-winning buzzer-beater to send the Hillcats to the championship game.
 
"You know, the young man really played star minutes with the group we had a year ago," Barkley said about McKnight. "His game really blossomed in the second semester as he adjusted to our system. When your returning players understand your culture and how to compete day in and day out, that can set the tone. I'm very thankful that he's taken the necessary steps of growth, and I'm expecting big things for his fourth year."
 
Stephon Thomas is back for his second season at RSU. The forward from Jackson, Mississippi, played in all 32 games last season, totaling 182 points, 83 rebounds, 50 assists, 35 steals, and 14 blocks. He shot 51.2% (66-for-129) from the field and 77.4% (41-for-53) from the free-throw line. Thomas grabbed a season-high eight rebounds against Dallas Baptist on Dec. 16 and scored a season-high 15 points against Arkansas-Fort Smith on Jan. 7. He recorded a season-high seven assists to go with 12 points, four rebounds and three steals against Emporia State on Jan. 29. Thomas also blocked a season-high three shots against Central Oklahoma on Feb. 14.
 
"He got a lot of minutes last year and appeared in about every game," Barkley commented on Thomas. "His maturity and what he brings to the table are impressive. He's really a Swiss Army knife, a young man who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He's a glue guy who does so many things well that don't necessarily show up in the stat sheet. I've coached for 17 years, and Steph is one of my favorite guys. I appreciate what he brings to the table day in and day out. I enjoy spending time with him, coaching him, and watching him grow as a young man."
 
Forward Kaleb Bickel enters his third season with the program in 2026-27. Last season, he appeared in 13 games, totaling five points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He scored a season-high four points and recorded one steal at Harding on Nov. 15. Bickel grabbed a season-high four rebounds and added one assist against Haskell on Dec. 13.
 
Forward Daivion Boleware enters his first season on the Hill after previously attending William Penn (NAIA), Grand Valley State and Glen Oaks Community College. Last season at William Penn, he appeared in 31 games with 28 starts, scoring 439 points on 163-of-354 shooting (46%). He shot 47-for-151 (31.1%) from 3-point range and 66-for-95 (69.5%) from the free-throw line. Boleware also recorded 195 rebounds, 19 assists, 17 blocks, and 15 steals. He helped William Penn win the 2025-26 Heart of America Athletic Conference championship and advance to the NAIA tournament.
 
"Daivion was a first-team all-league selection from a top NAIA program that I know about at William Penn," Barkley said regarding Boleware. "He's had a really strong fall as he adjusts to the program, especially for a young man who started in his position for three years. I believe he has adapted extremely well."
 
Drew Lewis has joined the team at Lincoln Memorial University. The guard from Peoria, Illinois, appeared in 21 games with one start, scoring 141 points (6.7 per game) on 53-of-126 shooting (42%). He shot 9-for-30 (30%) from 3-point range and 26-for-32 (81%) from the free-throw line. Lewis also totaled 42 rebounds, 34 assists, 14 steals, and two blocks. He previously played two seasons at Parkland College and attended Minnesota State during the 2022-23 season.
 
"Drew Lewis is a young man coming from a Division II program at Lincoln Memorial," Barkley said. "He's also played for a junior college program we know well in Parkland College, where we've had multiple all-league players like Joey Saracco and Jabryn Anderson, both who were outstanding for us. You can tell Drew has been well coached. He's a young man who doesn't color outside the lines; he's in the right place at the right time."

THE JUNIORS
Forward Aydan Perdue begins his fourth season with the Red and Navy. Last season, the Katy, Texas, native appeared in 17 games, totaling 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting 50% (13-of-26) from the field. He scored a season-high 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting, including 2 of 2 from 3-point range, against Harding on Nov. 15. He added 11 points and season highs of three assists and two steals against Haskell on Dec. 13. Off the court, Perdue earned recognition on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
Forward Matt Mowers joins the program after two seasons at Irvine Valley College. Last season, the Irvine, California, native appeared in 31 games with 15 starts. He scored 411 points while shooting 62.2% (166 of 267) from the field, 16.7% (1-of-6) from the 3-point range, and 78% (78-of-100) from the free-throw line. Mowers also recorded 190 rebounds, 57 assists, 26 steals, and 17 blocks.
 
Guard Devonte Reed enters his first season at RSU after stints at Garden City Community College and Butler Community College. Last season at Garden City, the Syracuse, New York, native appeared in 31 games with 28 starts. He scored 403 points while shooting 48.1% (139 of 289) from the field, 32.1% (27 of 84) from 3-point range and 76.6% (98 of 128) from the free-throw line. Reed also recorded 132 rebounds, 56 assists, 42 steals, and 21 blocks.
 
THE SOPHOMORES
Forward Jackson Welch returns for his third season on the Hill. The redshirt sophomore from Inola, Oklahoma, appeared in 13 games last season, totaling 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. He shot 50% (4-for-8) from the field and 50% (3-for-6) from 3-point range. His season high was six points, scored on two 3-pointers against Haskell on Dec. 13. Welch also recorded a season-high two rebounds against Texas A&M-Kingsville on Dec. 17. Additionally, he was named to the D2ADA and MIAA academic honor rolls and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
THE FRESHMEN
Guard Bromo Dorn returns to Claremore for his redshirt freshman season. Last season, the Maui, Hawaii, native appeared in seven games, totaling 21 points and six rebounds while shooting 72.7% from the field (8-for-11). He grabbed a season-high three rebounds and added four points and a steal against Ozarks (Ark.) on Nov. 17. Dorn also scored a season-high 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, against Haskell on Dec. 13.
 
Guard Jaxson Cash begins his first season at RSU after a standout career at Warner High School, where he averaged 18 points, 5.3 rebounds, and five assists per game for the Eagles. Cash surpassed 1,000 career points and was named a VYPE Top 100 player and VYPE's outstanding midseason basketball player. He earned Mr. Basketball honors in the Three Rivers area and was named offensive player of the year in football and basketball. Cash also served as valedictorian and class president and was a member of the National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society.
 
Guard Jake Gerlt begins his first season at Rogers State in 2026-27. The Mustang, Oklahoma, native, played for the OKC Knights in high school, earning NCHBC Big South All-Region honors twice and scoring 1,900 career varsity points.
 
Sebastien Rault joins the program from Melbourne, Australia. The guard helped Berwick College win an Australian high school national championship in 2024 and state championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. At the Australian National Championships, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. He was also a member of the Knox Raiders' under-23 championship team.
 
FINAL WORDS FROM COACH BARKLEY
"We are looking forward to the start of the season, and I know that where we are right now and where we will be three to four weeks from now will show our continued growth in the right direction."
 
For more information and updates on the men's basketball program, visit Men's Basketball - Rogers State University Athletics.