Cypress’ Johnson Goes for Mark at Rio Hondo

Don Johnson, the Cypress College men’s basketball coach, will try to become the winningest coach in California community college history Saturday when the Chargers open their season with a 7:30 p.m. game at Rio Hondo.

Johnson got his 500th victory last season in a second-round playoff game against Oxnard. But the Chargers were defeated by El Camino in the next round, leaving him one victory shy of the mark set by Gene Victor of Mt. San Antonio. Victor, who retired in 1987, had a record of 500-328 in 28 years. Johnson, who is starting his 24th season, is 500-209.

Rancho Santiago, the defending state champion, begins its quest for a repeat with a 7:30 p.m. game Saturday at College of the Canyons.

Fullerton, Golden West and Orange Coast open their seasons tonight. At 8, Fullerton plays Moorpark in the Mt. San Antonio tournament, and Golden West plays Palomar at Cerritos. Orange Coast is at Southwestern at 7:30.

Saddleback opens Thursday in the first round of the Fullerton Tournament.

The women’s basketball season begins today with Golden West, the defending state champion, playing host to Moorpark at 6 p.m.