The 1978-79 Cordova Lancers finished the season 27-3, including a 13-2 mark in Metro League play. Photo courtesy of Head Coach Hub Morphew

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers 1978-79 boys varsity basketball team is held in high regard as one of the most talented groups in school history. Even now, all these years later, the team is still racking up achievements as they are set to be inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame this September. 

Led by head coach Hub Morphew in what was his second season at the helm, the Lancers would dominate the Metro League with a 13-2 record and ultimately finished the season 27-3 overall. Although they would fall short in the Section AAA championship game, the group is considered to be one of the best teams’ during Morphew’s eight-year tenure which included a Section championship squad during the 1983-84 season. The ‘78-‘79 Lancers were the top ranked team in the area for the majority of that season, setting school records in multiple statistical categories. 

“I think that’s why this team deserves to be considered one of the best basketball teams at Cordova,” Morphew said.

For former Lancers’ coach Hub Morphew, this will be the third instance of induction into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Head Coach Hub Morphew

Standouts that season included Larry Connors and Mike McCullough, who each earned All-City honors. According to Morphew however, it was the experience and leadership of upperclassmen Fred Clayton and Tyrone Lewis that helped make that team special.

Additional contributors that season included Kevin Appino, Matt Berry, Steve Dobson, Mike Hronek, Mike Jacino, Dave Land, Tony Noia, Steve Runke and Ron Weethee. 

For Morphew, this is the third time he has been associated with induction into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame. The decorated coach was inducted individually in 2018 and went in alongside his 1983-84 Section championship winning team who were inducted in 2023. 

The 11th annual Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Tickets for the induction ceremony are $35, which includes an appetizer and cocktail reception and awards program can be purchased at the Cordova Community Council, visit cordovacouncil.org/ccc-events/11th-Annual-Rancho-Cordova-Sports-Hall-of-Fame.