With six games left in its regular season, the Dolores High School boys basketball team is banged up and struggling.
Playing at home against Ignacio on Jan. 30, the Bears were unable to hang with the third-ranked team in Class 2A, losing 71-38.
Dolores trailed 17-5 after the first quarter and 41-15 at halftime. The Bears outscored Ignacio bench players 15-13 over the final eight minutes.
"The boys are trying hard, but we're just depleted right now," said Dolores head coach Larry Schwartz. "Ben Lykins is out (with an injury), and Jalen Balderrama and Kyle Biery are nursing high-ankle sprains."
Keying Ignacio's victory was the hot shooting of junior guard Wyatt Hayes, who drilled four of six three-point field goals. Ignacio players combined to make 11 three-pointers in the game.
"We tried to extend our zone, but we just couldn't cover their three-point shooters fast enough," said Schwartz. "Wyatt Hayes had his way on the outside."
Dolores senior Mikeal Ford scored a game-high 18 points in the loss. Also playing well for the Bears was Stetson Hamilton, who provided valuable minutes off the bench.
"Stetson Hamilton had a tremendous game," Schwartz said. "He just brings another energy-level to the team. He's a fantastic, hardworking kid."
With the loss, Dolores dropped to 2-11 on the season. Ignacio improved to 2-11 on the year with the win.
Next up for the Bears will be a home game against Telluride on Feb. 6. Dolores lost to Telluride 63-55 earlier this season.
"Our goal is to keep battling and getting better," said Schwartz. "Hopefully we can get everyone healthy and play well (against Telluride)."