After losing six straight games to open its season, the Dolores High School boys basketball team picked up a much-needed win.
Playing at home against Dove Creek on Jan. 13, the Bears outlasted the Bulldogs, 54-47. Jalen Balderrama led the Bears with 18 points. Ben Lykins added 13, and Mikeal Ford added 12.
"We pretty much controlled the game," said Dolores head coach Larry Schwartz. "We were ahead by three points at the end of the first quarter, and we had them down by 19 points in the fourth."
Dove Creek mounted a late comeback however, utilizing the size of junior center Spencer Gatlin to cut the Bears lead to seven points by the end of the contest.
"Dove Creek is one physical basketball team," Schwartz said. They have a couple of big guys who are really strong inside. At the end, it came down to a free throw shooting contest and we were able to win."
The Bears victory followed a 63-55 road loss to Telluride on Jan. 10. Balderrama led Dolores with 13 points, Ford scored 11 and junior Josh McCoy chipped in 10 points off the bench.
"We spotted them 8 points right of the gate," said Schwartz. "We weren't sharing the ball. In the second half, we limited our turnovers and were able to fight back."
In the end however, the shooting of Telluride guard John Broadhead proved too much for Dolores to overcome. The senior scored a game-high 19 points in the game.
"We were tied late, but Broadhead hit two threes in the fourth quarter," said Schwartz. "(Telluride's) two stud players are outstanding three-point shooters."
Prior to losing to Telluride, the Bears lost to Newcomb, 66-37 on the road on Jan. 9.
With their record now at 1-6 on the season, Dolores will next play against Norwood at home on Jan. 16. The Bears will then travel to Ouray on Jan. 17.