49er Hoops: Fabulous freshmen drive to Elite 8

The Yuba College 49ers men’s basketball team has a long history of success. Just last year the 49ers went all the way to the state championship finals after two wins at the Elite 8. After a slow start this year with only two sophomores on their roster, there were some doubts about 49er hoops for 2013.

I met with coach Doug Cornelius in his office early this year after the team’s slow start having suffered consecutive losses. He seemed anxious and tentative about the prospects for the future, which is understandable for the coach of a team with eleven freshman.

The 49ers then proceeded to drop a tourney final to American River, a game they were favored to win at home. Personally, having seen the game against Sac City, a gutsy performance which the 49ers won to reach the tournament final, I was not afraid. Subsequently, Yuba College reeled off a string of victories to post an 11-6 record going into last night’s game against Los Medanos. Among these wins was an impressive blowout victory against Bay Valley Conference favorite Contra Costa College.

The win streak now stands at six straight after a huge 30 point winning effort over Los Medanos at the Yuba College gym on Thursday, January 17th. This victory gave the 49ers a 12-6 record, and are undefeated in conference play.

I saw coach Cornelius before the game and, believe me, he no longer looked worried at all.

The next game is on Saturday, January 20th, at the Yuba College gym. The Lady Niners tip off at 5:30pm and that game will be followed by men’s hoops at 7:30pm. Dusty, the 49er should be dancing in the aisles, once again.