Minnesota West women, men gear up for home stretch of hoops seasons

It's just conference games remaining for Minnesota West's basketball teams as they get set to embark on the most critical part of the regular season schedule.

The Lady Jays, who are ranked at the top of the NJCAA Division 3 women's hoops poll, have six games left on their schedule, and three of those will be on their home court at the Center for Health & Wellness. The men, meanwhile, have eight contests left; there are two more for the men because Rochester doesn't have a women's basketball team this season.

The Minnesota West women are 15-5 thus far this winter and own a perfect 4-0 record in Minnesota College Athletic Conference South Division play. The Bluejay men are 9-10 on the year and 1-3 in conference action. They've lost seven of their last eight overall.

Both Minnesota West basketball teams will be in Willmar on Wednesday night to take on Ridgewater. They'll then travel to play Minnesota State-Fergus Falls on Saturday.

The Lady Jays and Bluejays will each play host to Anoka-Ramsey in a doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Golden Rams' women are ranked third in the nation. Minnesota West will then host back-to-back matchups against Riverland starting at 1 p.m. Feb. 7. The Riverland men are ranked third nationally. 

Other women's/men's games are at St. Cloud State on Feb. 11 and at home against Ridgewater on Feb. 21. The men host Rochester Feb. 9 and travel there on Feb. 14. 

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Minnesota West Community & Technical College will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Wednesday, February 4, during the women's basketball home matchup against Anoka Ramsey Community College. 

The event will highlight the impact and importance of girls and women in athletics, while inviting young athletes from across the region to participate in a memorable game-day experience.

To mark the celebration, all girls who attend the game wearing their team jersey will receive free admission. Minnesota West is also extending free admission to all students wearing a women’s sports jersey, encouraging a strong show of support for female athletes at every level.

As part of the celebration, a group of younger girls from area basketball programs will take the court for a special halftime scrimmage, allowing them to play under the lights in front of a collegiate crowd.

Following the final buzzer, all attending youth athletes wearing jerseys will be invited onto the court for a group photo, a keepsake moment designed to encourage confidence in young players who look up to collegiate women’s teams.

Minnesota West hopes the event will draw families and community members together to celebrate athletic participation and the leadership, teamwork and dedication through sports.

Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4. The men’s basketball game will follow at 7:30 p.m.