Citrus sophomores have options

JucoJunction had a chance to touch base with Citrus College head coach Rick Croy on what his sophomores' recruitment looks like this spring. The Owls finished 28-5 this season after winning back-to-back Western State Conference Championships. The Owls, the 2007-2008 state champions, were 63-6 over the past two seasons under coach Croy. JucoJunction took a look at the five sophomores from Owls program in this article.

Curtis Eatmon, a 6-foot-4 player for the Owls, signed in the fall with Detroit Mercy.

Troy Payne, (SO) 6-foot-6 (210) from Los Angeles, was named Conference MVP this past season.

"Troy is a dominant defender and rebounder and he also carries a 3.2 GPA in the classroom," said Croy.

Payne will head to the Bay Area this weekend for an official visit to Santa Clara. San Jose State, Boise State, Fresno State and Hawaii have all expressed interest in Payne this spring according to Croy. Troy averaged 9.3 ppg and 10.2 rebounds this season. Payne scored 557 career points in 69 games played while grabbing 584 rebounds over two seasons for the Owls.

Steven Bennett, (SO) 5-foot-7 (150), prepped at Los Angeles Dorsey High School with Payne.

"Steven had a great year. He was a first-team all-stater, first-team all-conference player and runner-up to Troy Payne for conference MVP," said Croy.

Bennett was the team captain the past two seasons for the Owls. Montana, Fresno State and several division two programs have followed Bennett this spring. Bennett averaged 10.7 ppg and 4 assists this season.

Mark Dorsey, (SO) 6-foot-6 (205) from Los Angeles, started his career at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville,TX. Mark was a all conference performer for the Owls this season.

"Mark is a big time athlete , rebounder and finisher with tremendous character," said Croy.

Dorsey averaged 7.8 ppg and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 60% (114-190) from the floor.

Zareh Zargaryan, (SO) 6-foot-7 (200), is a very versatile player who can play the 1-4 positions on the floor said Croy. Zareh started his career at Glendale CC (CA) before landing at Citrus College. Western Illinois and UM-Kansas City have expressed interest in Zareh this spring. Zareh averaged 4.4 ppg and 4 rebounds this season.

Justin Johnson, (SO) 6-foot-2 (170) from El Segundo,CA, is a combo guard. Justin was an all-conference selection and was very consistent all season long on the floor according to coach Croy. UC-Santa Barbara,Cal State Fullerton and George Washington have contacted Johnson according to coach Croy. Johnson averaged 12.5 ppg while shooting shooting 52.3% (127-243) from the floor.