The Cordova High School girls’ basketball team expects to feature a ton of young talent this season. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Longtime Cordova girls’ basketball head coach Kim Little has seen it all during her time at Cordova High School. So entering this season with a younger roster, she has been asking her team one question: "What are you willing to sacrifice in order to gain?"

That is the mantra for the Lady Lancers' upcoming season, which figures to feature a big-time youth movement with several underclassmen taking the court. Coming off their first playoff appearance in the past five years a season ago, Little knows that to return to the postseason, her team will need to be committed to getting better every day. 

Beginning team practices two weeks ago in preparation for the upcoming season, Little has been encouraged by what she has seen thus far.

The Lady Lancers are in the gym working hard to return to the playoffs this season. Photo by Rick Sloan

"I'm feeling very optimistic," Little said. "I think there's going to be some unexpected victories that pop up throughout the season. We could be surprising to many."

Key contributors this year will include several underclassmen, including sophomores Becca Lee and Tia Kennedy, along with juniors Aliza Thompson, Jasmine Ferrell and Taliyah Johnson.

Adding to all the new challenges that the Lady Lancers will face is the team being transitioned into the Metro League, which figures to be a very competitive slate of games. Little knows she and her group have their work cut out for them.

"It's going to take hard work," Little said about competing in the Metro League. "Definitely a tough league to be entering into. Full of great talent. Looking forward to seeing what we will contribute to it."

Longtime Lady Lancers head coach Kim Little gives pointers during a recent practice. Photo by Rick Sloan

At the end of the day however, Little knows it will come down to doing the little things each day to make themselves better. Her expectations for the season reflect that.

"The expectations that we set amongst ourselves is just to stay committed to one another and commit to the process of playing hard," Little said. 

The Lady Lancers’ first home game of the season takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 against Mesa Verde inside the Cordova High gym, 2239 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova.