On Tuesday, the Cordova High School boys basketball team rallied but lost a 53-43 non-league home game to Wood inside the Lancers’ gym.

Trailing 39-28 after three quarters, Cordova (0-1) started its rally toward the end of the final quarter thanks to defense. The Lancers forced the Wildcats into turnovers that led to cutting the deficit to 49-40.

Then the score was cut to 49-43 thanks to a 3-pointer from Lancer point guard Jason Novik, who was the leading scorer with 12 points, with 28 seconds left in the game. But Wood, out of Vacaville, made four free throws to register the win.

On Monday, Cordova knocked off Stagg of Stockton, 77-57, in the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Foundation Games. Money paid toward admission for Monday’s games goes to funding the A. Dale Lacky Scholarship and Women in Conference.

For the last two seasons, Cordova has captured back-to-back league titles in the Sierra Valley Conference (last season) and the Capital Athletic League from the 2013-14 season. Leading the way was Jordan Roberson, who graduated last spring.

Out of 16 players on its roster, Cordova has 10 seniors. Lancers who saw significant time on the court in Tuesday’s game against the Wildcats were forwards DeAnte Wilkins, guards Damion Baldwin, Kyle Lorena and Angel Garcia, and forward William Moore.

Other seniors on the squad are forwards John Pacholski, William Moore, Eric Shin, Joseph Gomez, and DeAnte Wilkins, plus guards Devin Baldwin and DeReginald Walker.

“We had such a good group of seniors last season that most of the seniors, this year, didn’t get much game experience,” said Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson.

The six juniors on the team are Mike Brown, Najee Clark, Novik, Kenny Haney and Slavik Dernchyk.

One of the strengths Johnson has is depth and athleticism. As the preseason continues for the Lancers, finding their identity on offense and defense should become clearer.

“We’ve got 16 guys who are all quick and can get out and shoot better than we have in the past,” Johnson said. “It’s just a matter of us getting some game experience.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, Cordova will continue its preseason schedule at Grant High School in Sacramento, taking part in a Sacramento vs. Bay Area schools. Cordova will play Kennedy of Richmond at 2 p.m.

Next Tuesday, the Lancers host Casa Roble in another home non-league game. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Then on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, Cordova will take part in the McDonald’s Classic at Edison High School of Stockton. The Lancers will play the host Vikings at 6:30 p.m.