Next week is the start of Sierra Valley Conference play for the Cordova High School girls basketball team.

The Lady Lancers are 2-12. Out of the six teams in the conference, only one team has a winning record; Union Mine at 6-5. But with the number of returning players on the roster, Cordova head coach Raymond Bradley is confident his squad will battle for the SVC title.

“We’re a way better team than 2-12,” Bradley said.

One of the returning players is forward Leila Cooper, one of five seniors on the team. She’s also a three-year starter who has displayed leadership, according to Bradley.

“Leila has stepped up her game tremendously, offensively and defensively,” said Bradley of Cooper. “She’s been scoring a lot more than previously and taking control of basketball games.”

Another senior returning is guard Kelsie Graf, who is one of the team captains with Cooper. Graf is also a three-year starter who has proven to be solid on both sides of the ball for the Lancers.

“Kelsie is an all-around player,” said Bradley of Graf. “She’s not just a shooter. She’s grabbing rebounds, playing like heck on defense. She’s able to create her own shots now. She’s a lot better than what she was last year.”

Other seniors on the team are forward Adrienne Hammond, guard Lexi Somoya and center Giana Bell. Hammond is splitting time between playing basketball and girls soccer, which along with boys soccer, have been moved to the winter season for prep sports.

“We don’t have her every game,” said Bradley of Hammond.

Hammond is one of Cordova’s players who are also doubling in playing soccer. Bradley has 11 players on the roster. There have been games only six to eight players suit up because of soccer. Part of the roster does not count players who have been cleared by the Sac-Joaquin Section because of transferring and foster care.

“We’re slacking on numbers because of soccer,” Bradley said. “It hurts us more than helped us.”

Returning to the court for the Lancers this season is center Josephine Apole, a sophomore who started as a freshman last season.

Players who moved up from last winter’s junior varsity squad are Amia Moore, Lauren Johnson, Anahi Zuniga and Carla Donis. Newcomer to the team is freshman guard Brianna Escobar.

As for the SVC, Bradley feels his squad, plus Union Mine and El Dorado, which has won the conference title the last three seasons, Liberty Ranch and Rosemont are the teams to beat.

“Us, to be honest with you,” said Bradley of his team is to beat. “El Dorado is going be a good team. We played them (at Liberty Ranch’s tournament last month, losing 64-54). We played without our post players in Gianna and Josephine. I haven’t seen Union Mine play yet. I would expect Union Mine to be a better team than what they have been last couple of years. (Liberty Ranch) is playing well. They are a lot better than they have been in year’s past.”

This week, Cordova played at Vista del Lago and Center. Tomorrow, Saturday, the Lady Lancers conclude their preseason schedule at Heritage of Brentwood.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13th, Cordova opens SVC action at Rosemont. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.