BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Interstat) — A key early-season California Community College men’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday when the West Los Angeles Wildcats visit the Bakersfield Renegades.

The Wildcats (10-4) enter with a slightly better overall record but are looking to rebound from a 77-74 home loss to Los Angeles Harbor in their most recent game on Dec. 30. The Renegades (9-6) have won three of their last four, including an 82-66 victory over Santa Monica on Wednesday.

The game features a compelling contrast in recent standout performers. West Los Angeles is paced by forward Jase Stewart, who is coming off a 17-point, 8-rebound effort in 20 minutes against LA Harbor. Stewart has been a consistent presence on the boards, pulling down nine rebounds in three of his last four contests.

Bakersfield, however, boasts one of the region’s most dominant forces in Zykiar Henderson. The forward is on a remarkable tear, averaging 25.3 points and 13.3 rebounds over his last three games. He recorded a 39-point, 16-rebound performance against Oxnard on Dec. 20 and followed with a 19-point, 11-rebound, 3-block outing in the win over Santa Monica.

West Los Angeles will need production beyond Stewart to counter Henderson. Malachi Knight (17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks vs. LA Harbor) and Chase Coleman (16 points, 6 assists) are key contributors. For Bakersfield, Zach Garnett (17 points, 8 rebounds vs. Santa Monica) provides vital support.

The Wildcats have shown offensive firepower, scoring 102 points in a win over LA Trade-Tech last month, but have also been held under 75 points in two of their four losses. Bakersfield’s offense has surged, averaging 95.3 points during its current three-game win streak.

Saturday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 4 at West Los Angeles.