Head coach Kevin Bridgeforth enters his second year with the program. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers ' boys varsity basketball team is hard at work preparing for their upcoming winter season under head coach Kevin Bridgeforth. The time and effort they've put in early on has had little to do with wins and losses throughout the season however, as character and culture building are at the forefront of everything the program wants to do. 

Bridgeforth is entering his second season at the helm of the program, and after a tough first year and having just three varsity players returning, he is focused on developing team chemistry as well as individual character within every member of the team.

The Lancers begin their season on Dec. 9 at Christian Brothers High School. Photo by Rick Sloan

Wins and losses for the team come secondary to the type of environment he wants to foster. 

"We start with character," Bridgeforth said when asked about his goals for the upcoming season. "We're doing a lot of character development. A lot of the things that we're throwing in front of them right now like challenging their will, challenging their desire to win, and their ability to be willing to do the things that it takes. We haven't started to discuss much about winning games and the results of things yet. We're very much process based."

The Cordova Lancers are hitting the hardwood in preparation for the upcoming season. Photo by Rick Sloan

The Lancers, who finished 1-22 overall last winter including an 0-12 record in their first season in the Metro League, saw a large portion of their team move on. With only three returning varsity players from last season, the team figures to look vastly different. Bridgeforth is up to the challenge however, and appears energized to coach up his new group. 

"I'm extremely excited to lead and coach the group we have," Bridgeforth said when asked about his feelings on the team as they enter the season. "Our main focus right now is just growing together, having never played together. We don't have a ton of returners, so with that you have to gel, and we're attacking that."

Three seniors are being asked to step into big time roles this season in point guard Ezra Tobin, wing Makhai Stewart, and center Damajae Moses. Bridgeforth stated that he will be relying on the three upperclassmen to be leaders both on and off the hardwood as the team navigates through the season. Additionally, junior guard Jacobo "Jacob" Valenzuela was mentioned as a youngster who has improved by leaps and bounds after playing for the junior varsity team last year. Bridgeforth hopes his perimeter shooting will provide a much-needed skillset to the team. 

With three returners, the Lancers will feature a much younger team. Photo by Rick Sloan

The Lancers will begin their season on Tuesday, Dec. 9 when they travel to Christian Brothers in Sacramento, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. Their first home game comes one week later on Tuesday, Dec. 16 when they host Del Campo at 7:00 p.m. in the main gym.