California reached the Class 3 Final Four in 2009. Mount Vernon won the whole thing in 2010.
Two years later, the two squads are facing off with a Final Four spot on the line.
California (21-7) and Mount Vernon (23-7) meet at noon today at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield, with the winner advancing to play in the state semifinals Thursday.
"The greatest gift any coach can get is the opportunity to coach your team one more day," California coach Bobby Sangster said.