Preview: Copper Mountain Fighting Cacti at Desert Roadrunners

PALM DESERT, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Copper Mountain men’s junior college basketball team will look to continue its winning ways against a Desert squad seeking stability when the Fighting Cacti visit the Roadrunners on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

The California community college matchup features teams on divergent tracks. Copper Mountain (7-3) enters having won four of its last five games, including a 68-64 road victory at Santiago Canyon on Tuesday. Desert (3-6) has lost three of its last four, most recently a 76-72 home loss to Canyons on Dec. 6.

A key matchup will be in the frontcourt between two of the region’s top performers. Copper Mountain sophomore forward Amarion Wallace is coming off a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds against Santiago Canyon, his third double-double in four active games. Over that stretch, he is averaging 15.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.

Desert will counter with forward Payton Joseph, a versatile force who nearly posted a triple-double in the loss to Canyons, finishing with 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Joseph recorded a massive 19-point, 17-rebound performance in a 102-100 win over Grossmont on Dec. 2, demonstrating his capacity to dominate the glass and facilitate the offense.

Copper Mountain’s recent success has been bolstered by balance. In Tuesday’s win, Amarion Wallace and Tyrece Rose (20 points) led the scoring, while Donte Ralston Jr. provided key minutes off the bench. The Fighting Cacti have shown resilience in close games, with three of their last five victories decided by six points or fewer.

The Roadrunners have struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Joseph and guard De’miem King, who had 17 points and eight rebounds against Canyons. Desert’s defense, allowing an average of 78.4 points per game, will be tested by a Copper Mountain offense that has scored 68 or more points in seven of its ten games.

This contest opens a critical stretch for both teams ahead of conference play. Copper Mountain seeks to solidify its winning record, while Desert aims to leverage home court to reverse its recent fortunes and build momentum.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Desert’s gymnasium.