Lancers Too Much for Napa
Jan 05, 2017 12:00AM ● By By Mike Bush
Cordova guard Markell Briggs drives around an Inderkum player in last week's Cordova Christmas Classic. The Lancers took third place in their own tournament. --Photo by Rick Sloan
A surge on offense and defense led to a win for the Cordova High School boys basketball team against Napa on Tuesday.
Leading 32-27 at halftime, the Lancers dominated the Indians that led to a 65-42 win at Lancers Gym.
Pressure on the Indians’ offense led to the Lancers holding their visitors to only seven points in the third quarter. That paced Cordova to building its lead to 55-34 entering the final quarter.
“The ball really started falling in,” said Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson, whose squad sank five, 3-pointers in the third quarter. “The defense was just tenacious.”
The game also marked the return of starting guard Jason Novik, who had missed the Lancers’ last six games because of a back injury. He was the team’s leading scorer with 24 points.
“He brought a lot of energy,” said Johnson of Novik. “He changed the way we’ve been playing.”
Novik was one of three Lancers who scored in double figures. Forward LeAndre Ward had 14 points and another guard in Calvin Augusta 10. Markell Briggs finished with eight points.
Cordova Christmas Classic
Hosting its 41st annual tournament, Cordova took third place that was topped off with a 79-49 win over Chavez of Stockton.
In the first quarter, Cordova jumped out to an 18-13 lead. That expanded to 39-28 at halftime. The Lancers continued to take charge over the Titans in the third quarter with a 23-11 scoring advantage for a 62-39 lead.
Named to the all-tourney team was Lancer forward Mike Brown.
“He’s showing non-verbal leadership,” said Johnson of Brown, a senior. “He’s working hard. He’s playing hard. He’s doing a good job. He’s leading by how he plays.”
Inderkum 66, Cordova 43
In the winner’s bracket game on Dec. 29th, Cordova trailed 38-29 at halftime. But Inderkum’s defense held the Lancers to a combined 14 points in the second half; Cordova scored seven points each in the third and fourth quarters.
Cordova 88, Ben Holt Academy 52
In the tourney opener on Dec. 28th, the Lancers jumped out to a 16-8 first quarter lead. That expanded to 43-24 halftime advantage, and 68-47 after three quarters.
Next Friday, Jan. 13th, Cordova begins Sierra Valley Conference action against Rosemont at Lancers Gym. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
