Coach Kim Little takes timeout with seconds left in 40-36 win against Natomas.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The 2023-24 girls basketball season is well under way and this year’s team, according to Head Coach Kim Little, is “Full of Light.” Coach Little, in her 8th year at the helm is starting to see the results of building teamwork skills and nurturing talent for the last couple of years finally start to pay off. This year’s team has already surpassed their win totals of last year and has competed well in some very tough battles regardless of the outcome. Currently the team is sitting on a record of 6-12 with ten games still to play.

Senior Selena Maya takes short jumper against Natomas.

This year’s team is outfitted with five seniors. The five seniors are Justice Johnson-Patterson, Alyssa Lacayo, Selena Maya, Journee Dean, and Ja’Nya Allison. Two starting sophomore players, Jasmine Ferrel and Taliyah Johnson have stepped up their game play and have contributed highly to the team’s success. Freshman Becca Lee has also helped the team with her talent on offense and defense. With two starting sophomores and one talented freshman, the future of the program is certainly heading in a promising direction.

Freshman Becca Lee makes layup against Natomas.

Coach Little is very pleased with this year’s team work ethics. “They have committed themselves to ‘STAND ON BUSINESS.’ They are set apart, they are hard workers and they are determined to be better each and every day. On and off the court, they are a team that understands the importance of teamwork, accountability, desire, effort, discipline, and character”, said Coach Little. I also have noticed a great deal of progress in this year’s team. One of the most impressive things I have noticed is in the ball movement and the ability to get off more higher-percentage shots within the key or under the basket. Another improved stat is in the rebounding category both offensive and defensive.

Senior Journee Dean goes up for shot against Natomas.

The team seems to be growing with each game. Led by sophomore point guards Johnson and Ferrel, game play has been elevated in energy, enthusiasm and passion. Add the dynamic and dominant play of freshman Lee with the experience of seniors Dean and Maya, and game play gets even a bigger jolt. The intensity of play goes both ways on the court and seems to build with each second of the clock ticking. This type of play makes it hard for other teams to keep up with the Lady Lancers.  On one end they strip the ball from their opponents and head the other way on fast breaks time and time again. When they can’t strip the ball they seem to find a way to tie the opponent up, forcing jump ball after jump ball. The action is non-stop.

Senior Justice Johnson-Patterson sights a 3-pointer against Natomas.

Coach Little couldn’t be prouder of how the season and team is shaping up and didn’t want to single out any individual players as a reason for their success thus far. “We have a team of balance on any given night of team basketball which is exciting to watch. Every player on this team is special and brings a uniqueness that makes us who we are. I’m just grateful and thankful for the girls, my staff, and the opportunity to lead this year’s team and looking forward to continuing to grow and develop. I personally believe we are in the running to compete for a league title to close out the GSL”, said Coach Little.

Senior Selena Maya (left) and sophomore Jasmine Ferrel pressure Natomas player.

The final home games of the season will be against Foothill on January 19th at 7:00 p.m., Rio Americano January 26th at 7:00 p.m., West Campus on January 29th at 6:00 p.m., Johnson on February 7th at 6:00 p.m. and the last home game of the season against Florin February 9th (time TBA). Come on out, cheer your Cordova Lancers on to victory, and if the snack bar is open, enjoy a hotdog or some nachos.  GO BIG RED!