2009 focus: Citrus College

The Citrus College Owls of Glendora, CA are looking to repeat as state champions in the state of California this coming season. The Owls went (35-1) and won a state championship under head coach Rick Croy. The Owls finished last season winning their last 23 games to win the championship. Citrus College moved eight players on to the four-year level from last season's team and four of those kids went the division one route. JucoJunction had a chance to touch base with coach Croy today on some his players recruitment.

Troy Payne, (SO) 6-foot-6 (210) from Los Angeles, is back for his second season with the team. Payne, an academic qualifier coming out of Milestone Prep in Raleigh, NC a few seasons back, averaged 6.9 ppg and 6.9 rebounds last season for the Owls. Payne, a combo forward, has received interest this fall from the University of Idaho, Boise State, Santa Clara and Sacramento State according to Croy.

"I think Troy is the state's best defender," said Croy.

Payne will be the captain this season for the Owls.

Curtis Eatmon, (SO) 6-foot-4 (185) from Alta Loma, CA, played his first season as a freshman at the University of Utah. Curtis saw action in 29 games for the Utes a few seasons back.

"Curtis is a great all around player with the ability to shoot it out to three and to run a team or just attack the rim," said Croy.

Lamar University-offered, Detroit-offered, Hawaii and Rice University have all shown interest in Eatmon this fall.

Mark Dorsey, (SO) 6-foot-6 (205) from Los Angeles, is a third year player who has been at Lon Morris College in Texas the past few seasons. Dorsey averaged 9.5 ppg and 7.2 rebounds last season at Lon Morris. Dorsey, a combo forward, is an incredible athlete.

"Mark will be a valuable asses on offense but his impact will most likely be felt on the defensive end of the floor," said Croy.

Zareh Zargaryan, (SO) 6-foot-7 (185) from Glendale, CA, played his freshman campaign at Glendale College. Zargaryan averaged 10.7 ppg,5 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season.

"Zareh is a very talented athlete and has continued to improve everyday since arriving here," said Croy.

Zareh is a combo forward who has received interest this fall from California-Irvine and Sacramento State according to Croy.

Justin Johnson, (SO) 6-foot-2 (180), hails from El Segundo, CA. Johnson, a combo guard, redshirted last season at California-Irvine and is currently a third year player for the Owls.

"Justin is much more physical than he looks and loves to defend the full length of the floor," said Croy.

Northern Arizona and Montana have made early contact with Johnson this fall according to coach Croy.

JucoJunction will take a look at the other Owls in the near future. Citrus College is looking to try to win back to back state championships in the state of California this coming season.