Thus, this year’s coaches and players agree that it could be difficult to duplicate last year’s 19-6 record and fifth place finish at state. First year head coach Angie Gatlin emphasized, however, that this year’s team plans to work hard and build for the future.
“We’re a young team,” said Gatlin. “We have only one senior. We’re stressing fundamentals and trying to get the girls to work together.”
Guards look to provide scoring
To be successful, this year’s Bulldogs team will lean heavily on its guards, who, together, hope to provide quality defense and scoring.
Leading the way will be senior Ana Lee, who, after averaging 4.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a post player last season, will start this season as the Bulldogs point guard.
According to Gatlin, Lee will be depended upon to initiate the team’s motion offense.
“Ana is a good ball handler and she can see what’s going on,” said Gatlin.
“I just want to get the ball down very safe, look at all the open players, and get passes to them so they can make some shots,” added Lee.
Seeing time at shooting guard for the Bulldogs will be sophomores Kiera Baughman, Kris Johnson and Cortney Ogas. Johnson will look to shoot from the outside, while Baughman will use her quickness to get to the rim.
“We’re not expecting anything big like going to state, but it would be great if we could,” said Baughman. “We’re still just learning.”
Posts hope to gain experience
Starting in the post for the Bulldogs will be sophomores Briana Boyd and Desirhae Ketcherside, who both saw limited playing time as freshman.
Far from polished on the offensive end, Boyd and Ketherside hope provide strong defense and rebounding to this year’s team.
“Our post players are young, but Keterside is strong,” said Gatlin. “We’re looking for big things from her.”
Bulldogs face tough schedule
Over the course of the 2014-15 season, this year’s Bulldogs team will play 21 regular season games, which include several difficult matchups against San Juan Basin League foes.
Dove Creek will open the season at home against Newcomb on Dec. 4. The Bulldogs open their league schedule at home against Ouray on Jan. 10. Games against defending Class 1A state champion Norwood will take place on Jan. 24 and Feb. 13.
“We have a lot of new girls who are still learning the system,” said Lee. “We’re not getting discouraged or anything though. We’re hoping we can do well.”