Dolores High teams show promise amid tight Monticello losses

Both Dolores High School basketball teams returned from the holiday break with momentum and optimism despite falling in tightly contested home-opening games against Monticello in early January. The DHS Bears boys and girls programs showed flashes on both ends of the floor as they pivoted into San Juan Basin League play, setting a tone for a season that could hinge on development and depth.

Dolores’ early games emphasized the balance coach staff are prioritizing: a more deliberate defensive identity paired with quicker offensive transitions when opportunities open. Seniors provided leadership in late-game situations while younger contributors logged meaningful minutes and pushed the pace, signaling a deeper rotation than in recent seasons. Those lineup shifts will matter as league schedule intensity increases and travel to neighboring schools becomes a routine test of stamina and bench strength.

The close margins against Monticello underline that results do not yet reflect a wide talent gap. Tight finishes in both gymnasiums point to competitive positioning in the SJBL, where a few possessions often determine league standings and postseason seeds. For local athletes this stretch is crucial: individual growth now will translate to team outcomes in February and March, when every win in SJBL play carries outsized weight.

Community support has already followed the teams back from break. Local turnout at the home openers showed the typical Dolores County investment in winter sports programs, with fans and booster activity helping sustain travel and equipment needs that rural programs routinely face. That backing matters economically and culturally for the school: game nights bring families together, keep youth engaged, and contribute modestly to local small business traffic on event evenings.

Looking ahead, Dolores will enter a slate of SJBL matchups that test the Bears’ defensive consistency and depth. Coaches are likely to emphasize situational defense, late-game clock management, and getting younger players comfortable with varsity minutes. Success in those areas can convert narrow losses into wins and keep postseason goals realistic for both squads.

The takeaway? The Bears are competitive and improving, but small margins will decide SJBL outcomes. Our two cents? Come to the next home game, cheer on Bear Country, and give the seniors and underclassmen the time to grow — that support could be the difference when the league standings tighten.