Lancers Head Coach Kevin Bridgeforth gives instruction during the first week of practice in mid- November. Photos by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In his first year at the helm of the Cordova Lancers' varsity boys basketball program, head coach Kevin Bridgeforth expected growing pains. That's why, after a slow start to their season, he isn't panicking.

At 1-7 overall with just two preseason games remaining before the start of Metro League play, the Lancers have tons of room for improvement. According to their coach, he believes it's all a part of the process when you take over a program.

The Lancers began formal preparations for the upcoming season in mid-November as practices got underway.

"To be honest, I think it has a lot to do with change," Bridgeforth said. "We know that change take time, and that's changing things like skillset for some players, changing our playbook, and things like the translation between where the players were before I got there, and where we're trying to take them now."

Bridgeforth recognizes that instilling a new culture and putting his imprint on the program will come with an array of challenges. He stated that the team is working on building chemistry together, as well as learning how to play together as a unit. Yet, even with the slow start, he's seen plenty of positives to build on as his team enters Metro League play in early January.

"I've definitely started to see more of the players 'buying in' as we've moved along in the season," Bridgeforth said. "Things like just coming together and supporting one another. Our bench has great energy throughout the games. I think a lot of the guys that are on the court benefit from that. That was one of the first things you have to attack before you can really change the culture."

Coach Bridgeforth hopes all their hard work will prepare the team for Metro League competition.

Standouts early on include sophomore Kaeden McDaniels, whom Bridgeforth credits as being a big part of the teams' offense so far this season. Senior Sunntavion Hall-Carson has also been impressive with his ability to shoot from the perimeter.

After their game on Friday, Dec. 27 at Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville (after press time), the team will spend the rest of winter break continuing to work on all facets of their game as they prepare for their first taste of the Metro League. Bridgeforth is hoping the upcoming break and remaining preseason games will help the team become more familiar with one another before they jump into the most meaningful games of the year.

The Lancers have some promising young talent who figure to play key roles this season.

"We have the benefit of this winter break where we get time to just invest, time to spend together," he said. "We'll just be really trying to put in all the things that we're looking for from the group, and us as a coaching staff will get to learn who's really comfortable doing what on the court. Then we can push them into those roles a little bit more."

After returning from winter break, the team is scheduled to travel to face West Park in Roseville on Jan. 6. Metro League play is scheduled to begin on Jan. 8 when the Lancers host Kennedy.