At the midway point of the season, the Cordova High School boys basketball team has continued its progress on both sides of the ball.

Playing a non-league game at Mira Loma on Jan. 6th, the Lancers hustled that led to an 81-51 victory over the Matadors. Cordova improved to an 8-8 record going into its Sierra Valley Conference opener against Galt earlier this week.

Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson was pleased with his squad’s efforts on offense and defense in the first quarter. The Lancers jumped out to a 24-13 lead that was based on man-to-man and zone defenses that kept the Matadors in check.

“The guys came out very intense with good defense,” Johnson said. “Outstanding defense and applied pressure in the first two quarters.”

That defense that also included some full-court press, plus breakaway and lay-up shots on offense, continued to build for the Lancers in the second quarter that led to another run over the Matadors, 21-15. That added up to a 45-23 halftime lead.

Cordova continued to have its way on offense and defense in the second half against Mira Loma. The Lancers outscored the host, 36-23, en route to the win.

Three Lancers scored in double figures in the contest; guard DeAnte Wilkins led the way with 19 points. Guards Jason Novik and Damion Baldwin followed with 16 and 10 points each.

Lancers who also scored were Najee Clark with nine points, Mike Brown seven and Slavik Demchyk six. Teammates Ben Danielyan and William Moore had five points each and Joseph Gomez finished with two.

Conference action
The development of the backcourt in Wilkins, Novik, Baldwin, and Clark has been the key for the Lancers going into conference action. That could be the key against contenders Liberty Ranch (17-0) and Union Mine (11-7).

“I think Union Mine is the team to beat, plus Liberty Ranch,” said Johnson of the Diamondbacks and Hawks.

Cordova won the SVC title last season. But the pressure appears to be on D’backs and Hawks. El Dorado, along with Rosemont and Galt, could play spoilers in conference play after tough pre-season games and tournaments.

“Looks like everyone pushed (in pre-season),” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a balance of the top four teams.”

Tonight, Friday, Cordova continues conference action when it hosts Union Mine. Then tomorrow, Saturday, the Lancers will take part in the Common Good Classic Tournament that features mostly Sacramento schools playing at San Juan High School. Cordova will play Bradshaw Christian. Both games are scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m.

The Lancers resume SVC play at El Dorado next Tuesday. Game time is also scheduled for 7 p.m.