With only five wins under the belt last season (5-15 overall), the Dolores High School varsity boys basketball looks to improve on that mark while competing in a very good Class 2A San Juan Basin League.

"Hopefully we will improve from our first year," second-year head coach Todd Wynne commented. "I’m excited about this season. I’m losing sleep. I just can’t wait because I think we will be much improved. These kids have been working hard and have been playing together well."

They played 24 games this past summer, including winning at a camp at Mesa State University in Grand Junction, according to Wynne.

"I have confidence in them and they have confidence they can do well. They are excited about it and think they can challenge for the top three positions (in SJL). I hope we will figure in there somewhere," he said.

The Bears hope to have all the pieces fitting perfectly into a fine little machine. That is because they do not have a player taller than 6-feet.

"Basically, I have a bunch a guards on the team. So, we will have to play with what we have," Wynne added.

Two seniors are listed on the varsity roster. They are Cody Beaver and Justin Schmitt. The juniors include Aeson Reed, Cullen Zion, Garrett Nielson, plus Montezuma-Cortez High School transfers Waylon Bennett and Kevin Fane. Sophomores making the varsity are Tyler Gilstrap, Keenen Lovett, and Duston Russel. Reed is the likely main man in the paint. Beaver will play a small forward. Schmitt will run the team at the point. Zion is a shooting guard, Bennett shooting guard or small forward, Fane is a forward, Nielson forward with Gilstrap, Lovett and Russel swing players.

"I’ve got a good group this year. I really couldn’t ask for better as far as their attitude is concerned. They are working hard and they are excited to be at practice every night," he commented.

Offensively, look for the Bears to run and run and run. Wynne made up his own offensive schemes. It will mainly be a motion-style, passing offense.

"We’ve got good shooters. I don’t think we will see much zone this year. Schmitt has worked hard on his shot. Fane can light up the board if he’s on. Zion had six threes against Mancos. Cody worked on his shot this summer. Waylon every now and then can hit them," Wynne said.

Defensively, the Bears will be an "in your face" type team. The Bears will mainly play man-to-man, but may surprise a few people with a zone. They are hoping for many takeaways to turn into easy transition baskets. They will press full court but go to a zone when necessary.

But with the lack of height, rebounding becomes a real question mark. Basketball is a game played high in the trees. Tall people are a definite plus. But blocking out is a big key.

"I’m exciting about the league season. I think it will be a tough league. We have some very good athletes in our league. Nucla is probably the team to beat with 11 players back from last year plus a few transfers. Mancos always has a good team. Dolores County will once again be strong. I think you have to respect all the teams in the league," Wynne said.

The Bears open the 2000-01 season at Durango JVs on Dec. 1. They play at Ignacio the following day. They host Pagosa Springs JVs Dec. 5, Bayfield Dec. 8, and Aztec JVs Dec. 9. They stay at home to play Montezuma-Cortez C-team Dec. 14 and San Juan High C’s Dec. 16. They host Shiprock varsity Dec. 18 and travel to Bayfield Dec. 21.