Following drubbings at the hands of the San Juan Basin League’s premiere teams, the Dove Creek Bulldogs boys basketball team has a better idea of what it takes to be the best.
Telluride crushes Bulldogs
Opening last week’s play at home against Telluride on Jan. 17, the Bulldogs were run out of their own gym, losing to the fast-paced Miners, 76-37.
Although the Bulldogs entered the game with a decided height advantage over their smaller opponents, the Miners’ speed allowed them to race to a 21-13 lead after one quarter.
Continuing to dominate the Bulldogs on the outside, Telluride’s hot shooting throughout the second quarter keyed a 38-20 halftime lead, putting the game all but out of reach.
“We had a height advantage against them, but they got up and down the court really well,” said Bulldogs’ head coach Curtis Garver. “They pressed us.”
Leading the way for the Bulldogs with 15 points was sophomore Jordan Ernst. Sophomore Justin Gatlin also delivered a solid game, scoring eight.
Ignacio cruises past Dove Creek
Looking for better results on against the Ignacio Bobcats on Jan 18, the Bulldogs were thoroughly outclassed from start to finish, losing 80-23.
Providing a clear demonstration of what makes them the top team in the San Juan Basin League, the Bobcats attacked the Bulldogs from all angles during a 33-3 first-quarter drubbing.
Although the shell-shocked Bulldogs played better from the second quarter on, they continued to struggle offensively against a stingy Ignacio defense.
“Going into that game, it’s a no win situation for us,” said Garver. “My kids gave 100 percent effort, which is good.”
Leading the Bulldogs in scoring for the second consecutive game was Ernst, who registered 12 points.
