KENOSHA, Wis. – The Parkside men's basketball team will officially open its 2025-26 campaign this weekend, hosting Upper Iowa University and the University of Illinois Springfield as part of the Conference Crossover at DeSimone Arena.
The pair of non-conference contests will mark the start of a seven-game homestand for the Rangers, giving fans an early opportunity to see one of the projected top teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in action. Parkside enters the new season projected to finish third in the GLIAC according to the preseason coaches' poll, setting high expectations for a team returning a strong veteran core.
The Rangers return two of the GLIAC's premier players in Josiah Palmer and Jack Rose, both of whom earned First Team All-GLIAC honors last season. Palmer and Rose are among the most experienced and talented players in the conference.
Friday, November 14th
Parkside vs Upper Iowa University
7:00 p.m. CT | DeSimone Arena | Kenosha, Wisconsin
Saturday, November 15th
Parkside vs University of Illinois Springfield
6:00 p.m. CT | DeSimone Arena | Kenosha, Wisconsin
SCOUTING UPPER IOWA:
Upper Iowa enters the season looking to prove themselves after being picked to finish 11th in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll. The Peacocks have yet to play a regular season game, but recently faced Northern Iowa in an exhibition contest, falling 96-67 against the Division I opponent. Upper Iowa is led by returning forward Kyle Hrncir, who led the team last season in points (12.4), rebounds (7.5), and assists (2.8). Hrncir's all-around ability makes him the focal point of their offense and a key player for Parkside to contain.
Parkside holds a 2-4 all-time record against Upper Iowa and will look to snap a two-game losing streak in the series. The Rangers are 1-2 at home all-time against the Peacocks. In last season's meeting, Upper Iowa claimed an 82-63 victory, a game in which Parkside struggled to find consistent offense.
SCOUTING UIS:
Illinois-Springfield has yet to begin its 2025-26 campaign but will open the night before against Roosevelt University. The Prairie Stars were selected to finish ninth in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll and are coming off a competitive season that featured many strong defensive performances. The Prairie Stars are known for their disciplined defensive structure and methodical offensive approach that often forces opponents into low-possession games.
Parkside leads the all-time series 12-5, including a dominant 7-1 record at home. However, the Rangers are looking to bounce back after dropping last season's matchup in Springfield, 60-43, in a game where Parkside struggled offensively.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Following the Conference Crossover, Parkside will continue its extended homestand with five more games at DeSimone Arena, giving the team a valuable early-season advantage as they look to develop rhythm and identity before GLIAC play begins. The Rangers' next matchup will be on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m. CT when the Rangers host Bethel University in another non-conference matchup.
To keep up with the Rangers this weekend, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
