Revenge was sweet for the Cordova High School boys’ basketball team.

Playing Wood in the championship game at the 40th annual Cordova Christmas Classic inside Lancer Gym last week, the Lancers, who lost to the Wildcats 50-43 in a pre-season game last month, evened the score with a thrilling 53-52 victory on Dec. 30th.

“They played well the whole tournament,” said Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson of his squad. “We executed a lot better than we have been (in recent games).”

The Lancers’ defense, using various full and half-court pressure sets, kept the Wildcats’ offense to scoring only 18 points in the first half. Ironically, Cordova’s offense, led by its backcourt, erupted for 18 points in the second quarter to take a 21-18 halftime lead.

“We played pretty steady,” Johnson said. “Better ball movement.”

Leading the Lancers’ all-around play was tourney MVP Joseph Gomez (guard). The backcourt of guards Jason Novik and Damion Baldwin were named to the all-tourney team.

Cordova (7-8) led 36-32 after three quarters. Then the Wildcats’ offense picked up the pace in the final quarter, finding ways to score in the paint and behind the arc that led to outscoring Cordova 20-17.

“They stepped it up in the fourth quarter,” said Johnson of the Wildcats.

Beating Wood for the tourney title was sweet for Johnson and his squad.

“The Cordova Christmas Classic is what the alumni ask, ‘how well did you do in the Christmas Classic,’” Johnson said. “Beating the team that had beaten you previously was very delightful.”

Lancer guard DeAnte Wilkins and Novik scored 14 and 10 points respectively in the tourney title game. Following the duo in scoring was Baldwin with eight points, Gomez seven, William Moore five, Slavik Demchyk four, Calvin Augusta three, and Mike Brown two.

Cordova 67, Grant 62 OT
In the winner’s bracket game on Dec. 29th, the Lancers and Pacers were tied at 55-55 after four quarters.

In overtime, Baldwin scored the go-ahead bucket that led to Cordova’s offense going on a 12-7 run to win the game. Calvin Augusta, who was recently moved to the varsity squad from the junior varsity squad, scored most of his six points in OT.

Novik was the leading scorer with 23 points. Baldwin had eight points and Demchyk and Erin Shin had seven each.

Cordova 80, Encina 29
The tourney opener on Dec. 28th was a breeze for the Lancers. In the first quarter, Cordova jumped out to a 21-8 lead and held a 44-21 halftime lead.

Moore led the Lancers in scoring with 14 points. Novik had eight points and Baldwin, Wilkins, and Demchyk had seven each.

On Wednesday, the Lancers concluded non-league play at Mira Loma.

Next Tuesday, Cordova starts Sierra Valley Conference action at Galt. The Lancers’ first home conference game is a week from today, Friday, Jan. 15th when Union Mine pays a visit.