Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) -- Despite the fact that the Citrus College Men’s Basketball team lost all but three players from last years State Championship team, the Fighting Owls have been ranked #1 in the state of California, according to the Pre-Season State Coaches Poll released earlier today. It is the first time in Citrus history that the Fighting Owls have been ranked #1 in the pre-season poll.
“We are honored to be ranked number one, because we know this is an extremely high level of competition,” Citrus College Head Coach Rick Croy said. “Our men are humble, hungry and ready to compete.”
The Fighting Owls come into the season with just three players left over from last years State Championship squad. The fact that Citrus is ranked number one, is a testament to those three returnees, and the recruits that the Fighting Owls staff has brought into the fold.
“Our past players and returnees have created a very competitive culture,” Croy said. “Guys come to wear the Citrus uniform because they know they are going to compete against great athletes every day in practice.”
Rejoining this year’s team will be a trio of sophomores ready to lead Citrus back to the State Tournament. Sophomore’s Kelly Johnson (21 starts in 2008, 105 assists), Troy Payne (18.8 mpg, team high 6.6 rpg), and Stephen Bennett (79 assists, 29 steals), will play alongside a group of transfer sophomores and incoming freshman that look to be some of the best around.
Joining those three will be transfers Curtis Eatmon (University of Utah), Justin Johnson (UC Irvine), Mark Dorsey (Lon Morris College), and Zareh Zagaryan (Glendale College). Along with the crop of sophomores, the Fighting Owls staff has brought in an impressive group of freshman that will no doubt make an immediate impact.
“We are excited to create memories with this group - our story has just begun, but this team has shown already that they are going to be united for the long haul,” Croy said. “Their brotherhood is undeniable.”
Rounding out the State Top 5, were Antelope Valley College, Fresno City College, San Francisco City College, and Yuba College. The Fighting Owls will begin defending their State Championship on November 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM, when Citrus plays host Mira Costa College.