Tracy’s boys’ basketball is looking to overcome a slow start in league play as they are 0-3 coming into an important road games against Lincoln on Jan. 27. and West on Jan. 29. Tracy’s overall record is 7-8.

“I think our team was a bit nervous against St. Mary’s, and we got away from our game plan,” head coach Junior Cueva said.

The outcome wasn’t what he was expecting in a loss to St. Mary’s, 73-43, at home on Jan. 22.

Cueva made a roster move by adding depth to the bench by pulling up sophomore guard Carlos Vasquez before league play.

“I feel my role is to come off the bench, get a couple of steals, and dish off to the guys that score,” Vasquez said.

Before being pulled up Vasquez started on the sophomore team, which is what helped him get where he is at now.

“Carlos aggressiveness and willingness to play tough defense will help us,” Cueva said.     He feels Vasquez will impact the team to help it make a push to get to playoffs once again.

Another sophomore Matthew McDonald is a key player in the starting rotation.

“It is very often that a sophomore gets to make the varsity team, let alone start on it. I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity and believe that is a perfect situation for me to mature as a player,” McDonald said.

Tracy plays at West on Jan. 29, which will be expecting a big crowd as it is a rival game.

“I think West will be a big test for the team and give us great experience moving forward,” Cueva said.

This will be a key week for the Bulldogs as they try to get to 2-3 in league play.

Even with a 0-3 start to league play, Tracy is taking one game at a time to reach the playoffs.

Tracy’s next home game will be against Tokay on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.