Preview: Copper Mountain at Barstow in California Community College Men’s Basketball

BARSTOW, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Copper Mountain squad will look to continue its winning ways on the road Saturday when the Fighting Cacti visit the Barstow Vikings in a California community college men’s basketball matchup.

Copper Mountain (12-6) enters riding momentum from a dramatic 91-85 overtime victory at Chaffey on Wednesday. The Fighting Cacti have won three of their last four games.

Barstow (7-11) seeks to rebound from a 68-87 road loss to San Bernardino Valley that same night. The Vikings’ record has been inconsistent, but they boast a solid 83-72 home win over Chaffey from last Saturday.

A key matchup will feature Copper Mountain’s versatile forward Amarion Wallace against Barstow guard Dashon Palmer. Wallace is coming off a dominant performance, logging 38 minutes with 18 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks in the overtime win at Chaffey. His recent play has been a catalyst for the Fighting Cacti.

Palmer provides a scoring punch for Barstow, coming off an 18-point effort in 21 minutes off the bench against San Bernardino Valley. His offensive production will be vital for the Vikings to keep pace.

Copper Mountain’s offense runs through multiple options. Alongside Wallace, Makail Cotto (18 points) and Donte Ralston Jr. (16 points, 6 assists) were major contributors in the Chaffey win. Barstow will counter with Trestyne Nguru, who had 15 points and 6 rebounds last game, and Princeton Green, who dished out 8 assists.

The game represents a contrast in trajectories. Copper Mountain aims to solidify its position near the top of the conference standings, while Barstow looks to halt a skid and climb back to .500 in league play. The Vikings will need a strong defensive effort to contain Wallace and Copper Mountain’s balanced attack on their home floor.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale at Copper Mountain on Wednesday, Feb. 18.