Team focus: Citrus College

The Citrus College Owls are off to a great start on the season at (20-1) The only loss to Antelope Valley in the Riverside Tourney back in early December. Head coach Rick Croy has a lot of talent this season alongside Buchi Awaji, Richard Frolich and Darren Moore. Frohich and Moore both signed back in the fall while Awaji is getting high major interest.

Jeremy Smith: (SO) 6-foot-4 from Chino, CA. Smith played last season at Sonoma State University. The wing player is currently averaging 5.8 ppg for the Owls.

"Jeremy brings a lot of energy off the bench. Without Jeremy on the team we might not be where we are at currently," said Croy.

Troy Payne: (FR) 6-foot-6 (210) from Los Angeles, CA. Payne is an academic qualifier with three years left to play after this season. Troy played at Milestone Prep in Raleigh, NC last season. Payne visited Eastern Washington University back in the fall on an official visit.

"Troy is very relentless on the glass and he understands his game very well he is never caught playing outside of his means," said Citrus College assistant coach Will Kimble.

Troy is currently averaging 7.4 ppg and 7 rebounds on 54.9% (56-102) shooting from the floor for the Owls.

A.J. Gasporra: (FR) 6-foot-2 (185) from Lakewood, CA. Gasporra is also an academic qualifier who can leave after this season with three years left to play at the next level. Gasporra was a two year starter at Artesia High School with teammates James Harden (Arizona State) and Renardo Sidney (Class of 2009) and a three time state champion.

"The left handed combo guard can bury the three ball and brings great competitiveness to the floor at all times," Croy said.

A.J. is currently 10.2 ppg and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 42% (35-83) from three-point

range this season.

Ralph Monday: (SO) 6-foot-5 (190) from Pasadena, CA. Monday played at conference foe Glendale College last season.

"Ralph has been the anchor of this team all year long. When other forwards have struggled Ralph has pulled the entire unit through," said Croy. "He is a springy forward who has really improved on his midrange jump shot."

Ralph is currently averaging 7.7 ppg and 4.8 rebounds.