RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The host Lancers went 1-2 at the 45th annual Cordova Christmas Classic to finish the non-league at 3-9.

“We are getting better. We are small, but we are getting better. And we are learning to play a little more organized,” said Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson, who hasn’t had his full roster for a game thus far. “Due to the COVID and the fires, we haven’t had much time to build a team. We are getting better with each workout.”

Four of the Lancers’ nine losses have come by four points or less.

The Christmas Classic continues a strong tradition for Cordova High School and a learning experience for the current Lancers.

“Basically, they get to see some of the top teams in Northern California and what they look like. These are the kinds of teams we are going to play in the playoffs. We have to be ready for this. It makes it a reality for them,” Johnson said. “As an alumni, they only want to know two things. How you did in the Christmas Classic and if you beat Johnson.”

At this year’s event, Cordova opened with a 73-63 win over San Juan behind 13 points apiece from junior Eli Campbell and sophomore Jabari Pugh. They were joined in double figures by junior Cody Jones (11) and sophomore Roman Panasyuk (10).

On the second night of the event, it lost to McClatchy 79-62 after trailing 36-23 at the half. The Lancers got 26 points from junior Jayvyn De Vera, who missed the opening game. Campbell added 16 points.

In their final game, Cordova fell to Bradshaw Christian 62-50. The Lancers were outscored 13-3 in the second quarter. Campbell had another stellar outing with 19 points while Jones had 10 points.

Cordova will start Greater Sacramento League action on January 7, against Valley. Other teams in their league are Natomas, Johnson, West Campus and Florin.

“Parity,” commented Johnson on his outlook for the league. “Looks like everyone is pretty much in the same boat. Everyone has a shot. There is no clear favorite.”