"We want to secure a winning season," said Dolores head coach Larry Schwartz. "We want to get back into that upper part of the league and we want to make it out of Districts and into Regionals.
Guards hope to utilize speed
Stocked with speedy perimeter players, the Bears backcourt will likely be led by junior Branden Donaldson, who transferred to Dolores prior to the start of the school year.
Hoping to contribute at the shooting guard position will be juniors Jalen Balderama and Josh McCoy and senior Stetson Hamilton. Sophomore Tristan Holgate could also provide the Bears with valuable minutes.
"Our guards are extremely fast," Schwartz said. "If I had to put a 4x100 relay team together, I'd be in business. I'm hoping we can use our speed to our advantage."
According to Schwartz, the Bears will look to fast break as much as possible, mix man-to-man and zone defenses and employ a full court press in certain situations.
"I can put different kinds of lineups out there," said Schwartz. "We can put speed out there and we can play big ball too. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Posts will look to contribute
At the post position, junior Ben Lykins, junior Kody Gregory and senior KC Davis hope to lead the Bears. Lykins averaged 6.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season.
Athletic senior Mikeal Ford will play forward and alternate between the high post and the perimeter.
Ford led the Bears in scoring last season, averaging 11 points per game.
"Our post players have come a long ways," said Schwartz. "We have some big bodies and our rebounding has really improved."
Schedule poses challenges
Again competing as a member of the San Juan Basin League, Dolores figures to be challenged throughout the season.
Dolores will open its season at the Valley Classic Tournament in Alamosa, Dec. 5-7. The Bears will open their home schedule at home against Dove Creek on Jan. 13.
"Our goal is to open the season at (the Valley Classic Tournament) with as many wins as we can," said Schwartz. "Traditionally, we've always won one or two games there, so that's our goal."