SportStars™ Magazine

Star of the week

The field of top-tier wrestlers expected to vie for the 152-pound state title on March 2-3 in Bakersfield is deep and talented. Facing the best wrestlers in one’s class is an excellent measuring tool to gauge where wrestlers stand as the season winds down. Austin Branum was afforded such an opportunity at the Tim Brown Memorial Tournament. The Del Oro-Loomis senior squared off against defending 145-pound state champion Jake Elliott of Oakmont-Roseville and scored a two-point reversal with 20 seconds remaining in the third and final round to capture a 3-2 victory. Branum is currently 30-3 with his only loss against a California wrestler coming when he lost to 2011 140-pound state champion Isaiah Martinez of Lemoore.

SportStars: How did you pull off the late victory at the Tim Brown Memorial?

Austin Branum: I knew that he was tired and hoped that if I kept moving that I would be able to get free to score the points.

SSM: Do you feel that you are peaking as the postseason approaches?

AB: I feel great right now, but I definitely need to keep improving. I can’t be thinking that I am at my best because I know I still have to get better for state.

SSM: Do you feel that you have a shot at a state title with the 152-pound weight class so loaded (2011 State champs Elliott and Martinez are in the same weight class)?

AB: Ever since last year when I placed (fifth at 140 pounds) at state, my goal has been to be a state champion. I am working hard and my coaches have helped me out a lot, so I believe that it is definitely in the cards.

HONORABLE MENTION

Dejza James — The junior forward scored a game-high 21 points to help Pleasant Grove knock off Sheldon-Sacramento on Jan. 27. James also recorded double-doubles in victories over Folsom on Jan. 20 and Terra Nova-Pacifica on Jan. 21.

Shannon Mauldin — The senior guard led St. Mary's-Berkeley to an upset over Berkeley 54-49 on Jan. 21. She led all scorers with 21 points. She also posted a game-high 21 points in a big 43-39 league win over Salesian on Jan. 28.

Fernando Felix — The De La Salle-Concord sophomore scored two goals in a crucial East Bay Athletic League win over Monte Vista on Jan. 24. De La Salle is now the only undefeated team in EBAL play.