LARAMIE, Wyo. – The College of Idaho men's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season Friday night with an exhibition at the University of Wyoming, once again using the matchup as a platform to promote mental health awareness alongside the Jae Foundation. The Cowboys overtook the Yotes 111-63, but the evening's impact reached far beyond the scoreboard.
Now in its second year, the Yotes vs. Cowboys exhibition continues a shared commitment between the two programs and the Jae Foundation to support suicide prevention and mental health outreach, particularly among young people in Idaho and Wyoming. The partnership, established in 2024, extends beyond the court, using sport as a way to spark meaningful conversations and build community awareness.
On the hardwood, the Yotes showed strong early-season form despite the loss to their Division I opponent. Guard Dougie Peoples paced the offense with 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including three three-pointers, and added four rebounds. Veteran guard Samaje Morgan and sharpshooter Alex Germer each added eight points, while Conner Sheets knocked down two triples off the bench for six.
Chance Winter pulled down five rebounds to lead the Yotes on the glass, and contributions came from throughout the lineup as the team gained valuable experience against high-level competition.
The exhibition not only tested the defending NAIA national champions but also reinforced their ongoing commitment to the Jae Foundation's mission: raising awareness, starting conversations, and supporting mental health initiatives across the region.
The Yotes are on the road in Montana next weekend to open regular-season play, continuing their pursuit of both competitive success and meaningful impact off the court.
