Dec. 19, 2008

URSYLA MUELLER, Modesto JC basketball

One of just two sophomores on the team, Mueller has been the Pirates' steadiest force. She scored 15 points against De Anza in the opener of the Solano Showdown, a 76-61 loss on Dec. 12, followed by a 12-point game in a 44-42 loss to Porterville.

"I love tournaments because you get to see different teams," Mueller said. "We don't usually see teams in our league. I get excited. I like going on a road trip and playing basketball. Last week we came ready to play. We were focused."

Mueller leads Modesto (1-9) in scoring (13.5), steals (3.6) and assists (4.5) and averages 5.6 rebounds per game.

Mueller, a three-year varsity starter at Sonora, played on winning teams through high school and on last year's MJC playoff team, so the Pirates' struggles are a little unfamiliar. Injuries have plagued the team this season, but Mueller thinks things will get better.

"We just have to keep our heads up," she said.

ADAM OBAD, Modesto JC wrestling

Considering that he could barely breathe, Obad was satisfied to finish sixth at the California Community College State Championships in Victorville on Saturday.

The only one of five Pirates to medal, the 149-pound freshman competed with a broken nose and a severe cold.

"I don't think I did as well as I could have, especially that first day," Obad said. "I couldn't breathe through my nostrils. I wore one of those Breathe-Right strips all weekend."

Obad helps coach Buhach Colony High, his alma mater, and that's where he suffered the busted septum two weeks before state and just a week before the NorCal regionals, where he placed finished second. He said his first year at Modesto was a great learning experience.

"I learned how to separate your personal life from competition," Obad said. "You should rise up. If I have doubts before the match, once we start, I forget all about it."

-- KELLY JONES