Preview: Cerritos Falcons at Citrus Owls

GLENDORA, Calif. (Interstat) — Two of California’s top junior college men’s basketball teams will clash Saturday when the Cerritos Falcons visit the Citrus Owls in a marquee non-conference matchup at the Citrus College Holiday Classic.

The Falcons (5-1) and Owls (6-1) bring nearly identical sterling records into the 2025 showdown, each riding multi-game win streaks. Cerritos has won five straight since a season-opening loss, most recently edging Allan Hancock 71-68 on Nov. 26. Citrus, whose only blemish is a double-overtime road loss to Fullerton, is coming off a dominant 133-91 victory over Mount San Jacinto on Nov. 25.

A key matchup will feature two standout performers: Cerritos’ Kamaury Washington and Citrus’ Leo Ricketts. Washington, a consistent force, is averaging 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds over his last three games, including a 19-point effort against Cypress. Ricketts has been explosive for the Owls, averaging 25.7 points over his last three contests. He poured in a season-high 35 points in the 2OT loss to Fullerton and followed with 26 points in just 27 minutes against Mount San Jacinto.

The Falcons have relied on balanced contributions. In their last win, Isaac Sowell added 14 points and Jaysen Owens grabbed nine rebounds alongside Washington’s 12-point, seven-rebound performance. Citrus boasts high-powered offense, scoring over 100 points in four of its six wins. In their latest rout, JJ Sanchez complemented Ricketts with 23 points and eight assists, while Amiri Meadows added 16 points.

This game serves as a final tune-up for both teams before resuming their respective conference schedules in January. For now, state bragging rights are on the line between two programs demonstrating early-season strength.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Citrus College. The Falcons’ next game is at Oxnard on Dec. 11. The Owls travel to Long Beach on Dec. 9.