Yuba rolls on and on

Yuba College opponents thought going into the 2009-2010 season that the 49ers were finally ready to be busted -- a steady diet of stale hardtack, lukewarm water and defeat after defeat on the hardwood. That's because the usual graduation that happens at any community college took place but also due to a pair of prominent Yuba frontcourters -- starters and heavy minutes player -- leaving unexpectedly for Seattle University and D-1 play. Zero starters and but three players returned.

But such was fool's gold thinking because Coach Doug Cornelius doesn't rebuild -- he reloads and plows through the Bay Valley Conference. That was the Groundhog Day but-on-a-positive-note continuing scenario this past season which culminated in a 25-5 overall Yuba record, 15-1 in conference action.

Keenan Prince and Kyle Allen then signed with Hawaii Pacific, Josh Figueroa inked with Hawaii Pacific and Bo Henning landed a bit north at Humboldt State.

Now, Cornelius is doing it again as his 2010-2011 roster additions demonstrate both production and promise:

* 6-foot-3 Mike McChristian  sophomore (top returnee)

McChristian is a Will C. Wood High graduate (Vacaville) who earned most valuable player of the Bay Valley Conference honors as well as being an all-state selection). He's a superb athlete, proficient in a number of skills on the floor. McChristian led the squad with 13.3 points per game and is looking to transition to a point guard role for the 49ers.

* 6-foot-3 Julian Welch sophomore

The Big West Freshman of the Year, Welch averaged 7.8 points per game as a UC Davis Aggie. Look for him to be a prominent double-figures scorer in 2010-2011.

* 6-foot-3 Spencer Butterfield freshman

Mr. Basketball of Del Oro High (Loomis), Butterfield had football scholarship offers as a physical wide receiver but his passion is hoops. He'll broaden his game while as a 49er and an LDS mission will probably take place after this season but he already has the body to compete for a starting spot.

* 6-foot-7, 240 Julian Scott sophomore

Out of Inderkum High (Sacramento), he previously played at Columbia College in Sonora. Scott will provide physical play inside -- something missing last season.

* 6-foot-9 Caleb Johnson grayshirt freshman

Long and multi-dimensional, Johnson played at El Camino High and spent last season at Yuba rehabbing from an injury.

* 6-foot-8 Kevin Crabb grayshirt freshman

A Roseville High grad, he also spent last season as a 49er in rehab mode.

* 6-foot-1 Tyler Fry grayshirt freshman

Twice voted the most valuable player of the Tri-County League while at Yuba City High, Frye topped the team in scoring, assists and steals his last two seasons. He also grayshirted in 2009-2010. Look for him to facilitate additional success for the 49ers.

This is some mighty ammunition.