The Matchup
For the first time this season, South #2 Citrus will be taking on South #4 Saddleback College in what promises to be an instant classic. The two teams are facing off in the 2010 CCCAA Final Four for the rights to play for the State Title tomorrow in Thousand Oaks. The winner of Friday night’s game will take on the winner of North #2 San Francisco City and South #1 San Bernardino Valley at 3:30 PM at the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of California Lutheran University.
About Saddleback
Saddleback comes into tonight’s game with the well deserved reputation as one of the best defensive squads in the State. The Gauchos give up just 60.4 points per game and went 27-5 overall and 9-3 in the tough Orange Empire Conference, tying for second place. Saddleback get’s to tonight’s State Semi-Final thanks to a 66-64 win over Chaffey in the regional semi-finals, a 73-69 overtime victory over Riverside and a 57-43 win over North #1 Ohlone last night.
The Gauchos are led by a pair of sophomore guards in T.J. Lipold (5.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and Perry Webster (10.9 ppg, 5.2 apg) who were both 1st team All-OEC selections this season. Saddleback plays a ball dominating style offense, allowing their defense to channel what they do.
About Citrus
The Fighting Owls are making their second State Championship appearances in three years, after winning the whole enchilada back in 2008. Citrus has had another great year winning 29 games and nabbing their third straight WSC South Title. Citrus spent the year ranked in the Top 10 in the State, peaking at #1 midway through the year.
Citrus is without a doubt the deepest team in the State, with 12 guys that all play 11 minutes per game or more, and nine guys who averages at least five points per game. The Fighting Owls were pre-season ranked the #1 team in the South and spent the entire season in the Top 5.
Citrus reached the State Championships thanks to a 81-65 win over #18 Santa Ana in the regional semi-finals, a 82-80 win over #8 Cuesta in the regional finals and an impressive 74-53 win over North #3 San Jose City in the State Quarterfinals last night.
Storylines
Tonight’s game is a game of contrasting styles. Saddleback’s defense (60.4 ppg allowed) is ranked in the Top 10 in the State, and Citrus’ offense (81.5 ppg) ranked in the Top 10 in the State as well. Citrus is no defensive slouch themselves as they held opponents to under 60 points per game and just 38.4% shooting from the floor.
Also a former Fighting Owls now plays for the Gauchos. Sophomore Nathan Gibbs, played for Citrus last season before transferring to Saddleback in the off-season where he has played in all 32 games for the Gauchos.
Coach Croy’s Thoughts
On Last Night’s Performance:
“Our guys had a great effort. We dominated with our tone and our communication. We’re going to have to have a similar effort tonight with that and our team toughness.”
On Saddleback
“They are a real tough and physical team. They have a great point guard and really rebound hard. They’re very well coached and are going to want to slow the game down. They’d rather have there be fewer possessions. We’re going to have keep doing what we do, and keep trusting each other.”
On Keys to the Game
“I think we have to rebound the ball. Offensively we have to keep the ball moving.”