Preview: Mounties, Owls Collide for 3C2A Regional Title

GLENDORA, Calif. (Interstat) — A spot in the California Community College Athletic Association state championships will be on the line Saturday when two of the state’s premier men’s basketball teams, the seeded Citrus Owls and the seeded Mount San Antonio Mounties, meet in the 3C2A Southern California Regional Final.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Citrus College.

The matchup features a stark contrast in recent history and season-long dominance. The host Owls (25-1) enter as the region’s top-ranked team, boasting a singular blemish on their record and riding a 16-game winning streak. Their offense has been a juggernaut, scoring 100 or more points six times this season.

Citrus is led by sophomore guard Leo Ricketts, a dynamic scorer coming off a 30-point performance in the regional semifinal win over Allan Hancock. Over his last five games, Ricketts has averaged 23.2 points, showcasing his ability to carry the offensive load.

Standing in their way is a formidable Mount San Antonio squad (23-4) that has won 10 of its last 11 games. The Mounties’ path included a 66-55 defensive-minded victory over San Bernardino Valley in the previous round. Their strength lies in rebounding and interior defense, anchored by forward Ryan Wheeler. In the semifinal, Wheeler posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, continuing a consistent stretch of board dominance.

The teams’ only prior meeting this season resulted in an 88-78 Citrus victory on Oct. 31, 2025. In that game, the Owls’ high-powered offense overcame the Mounties.

Saturday’s contest pits Citrus’s explosive, high-scoring attack against Mount San Antonio’s physical, defensive-minded approach. The Owls will look to push the tempo, while the Mounties aim to control the glass and slow the game down. The battle between Ricketts’ scoring prowess and Wheeler’s interior presence will be a key focal point.

The winner advances to the CCCAA State Championship tournament next week in... (location TBD based on CCCAA announcements).