A fast start led to a strong finish for the Cordova High School boys basketball team at the 27th annual Holiday Classic in Tracy.

Playing McNair of Stockton in the tourney finale, the Lancers’ fast start led to an 81-41 win over the Eagles on Dec. 17th. The tourney finale gave Cordova a 1-2 record.

In the first quarter, Cordova (3-7) raced to a 23-14 lead over the Eagles. That led expanded to a double-digit lead in the second quarter, when the Lancers continued their scoring barrage with 23 points. Cordova held a 47-21 halftime lead. Although a wonderful offensive output, defense led to the Lancers’ win in the tourney finale.

“Just a little bit more aggressive on defense,” said Cordova head coach Fletcher Johnson.

Cordova outscored Mc Nair 34-21 in the second half to secure the victory.

Four Lancer players scored in double digits in the contest. Guard Markell Briggs led the way with 24 points, followed by another guard in Najee Clark, who had 14 points. Guard Joe Danielyan had 11 points, and LeAndre Ward rounded out the scoring with 10.

West 67, Cordova 66
In the second game of the tourney on Dec. 16th, the Lancers and Wolf Pack traded leads like boxers trading jabs in a 15-round boxing match that featured a thrilling finish.

The game was tied at 48-48 entering the fourth quarter. Toward the end of the quarter, the Lancers scored what would be their final basket, but the lead at 66-65. But West rallied back thanks to a foul called on a Cordova player with two seconds remaining, near the Wolf Pack’s basket as a group of Lancer and Wolf Pack players battled for a rebound. That sent the Wolf Pack player to the free throw line, where he sank two free throws for the win.

“Everybody was battling for the rebound,” said Johnson of the rebound that led to the foul.

In the third quarter, Cordova outscored West 21-16 for a 51-48 lead. The Wolf Pack led 32-25 at halftime.

Despite the tough loss, four Cordova players scored in double digits in this game. Guard Calvin Augusta had 12 points, while Clark and Briggs had 14 points each. Forward Mike Brown had 10 points.

Kimball 79, Cordova 75
In the tourney opener on Dec. 15th, the Lancers outscored the Cougars 28-19. Kimball held a 60-48 advantage entering the final quarter.

Augusta had 30 points for the Lancers. Ward followed with 16 points and Clark finished with nine.

Cordova is idle until Wednesday, Dec. 28th, when it starts its 41st annual Cordova Christmas Classic. The Lancers will open the tourney against Ben Holt Academy of Stockton.