Preview of California Junior College Men’s Basketball: Bakersfield at Citrus

GLENDORA, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Wednesday when the state-leading Citrus College Owls host the struggling Bakersfield College Renegades in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup.

The Owls (16-1), whose only blemish is an overtime road win, enter as one of the state’s most dominant teams. They are riding a six-game winning streak, which includes a 147-85 demolition of Santa Monica last Saturday. In that victory, sophomore guard Leo Ricketts scored 28 points in just 24 minutes, exemplifying the team’s efficient firepower. Ricketts averages 16.2 points and 4.2 assists per game, providing consistent backcourt leadership for a squad averaging over 102 points per contest.

Conversely, the Renegades (9-8) have lost three of their last four, including a 93-67 road loss to Antelope Valley last Wednesday. Their challenge is containing an Owl offense that has scored 100 or more points nine times this season.

Bakersfield will lean on forward Markell Brooks, a versatile threat who posted a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Antelope Valley. Brooks averages 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, but the Renegades have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 86.5 points during their recent 1-3 skid.

Citrus won the first meeting this season handily and its depth is a key factor. In the rout of Santa Monica, JJ Sanchez dished out 14 assists while Rockwell Reynolds added 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

The game tips off at 5 p.m. PST on Jan. 21 at Citrus College. The teams are scheduled for a rematch in Bakersfield on Feb. 14.