There’s no mystery surrounding when the Dolores girls basketball are having fun on the court.
Their expressions speak volumes.
Whether exuberantly celebrating a teammate’s basket, or laughing off a gaffe on the court, the Bears relish the opportunity to share their home court with one another.
The group relished that privilege for the final time of 2022-23, honoring the outgoing seniors with a win on Parent and Senior Night in the DHS Fieldhouse, topping Telluride 41-24.
In a year full of growth, Dolores (4-13, 2-4 2A/1A SJBL) put together one of their most comprehensive outings of the seasons in front of a packed house.
Leading by three at halftime against a vastly improved Telluride (0-16, 0-6 2A/1A SJBL) squad, the home-standing Bears erupted in the third quarter, scoring 21 points on 10 field goals to blow the game wide open.
Fittingly, the Bears passed the torch from senior dynamo Chandler Smith – whose 10 points co-led the way for the Bears – to freshman Taylor Hampton, who controlled play in the paint while also reaching double figures.
“A lot of players stepped up in the second half,” said Smith, “and we brought a different level of intensity. Coach Hill put in lots of great combinations that were really effective.”
Ultimately, the Bears capitalized on high-energy plays, generated a bushel of steals, and raced off for transition buckets. Seven different Bears scored in their season-high point output – as the laughter and excitement melded with bittersweet tears as the gravity of the night set in.
Smith, a longtime captain for both the basketball and volleyball programs, received an emotional send-off speech from junior Mikayla Puett during the senior recognition following the win.
“It’s a bond that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life, said Smith of her relationship with Puett. “It’s been more than friendship – it’s family.”
Smith served as a model of consistency for a Bears program looking for on-floor guidance in tough situations – the senior provided that energy and more with a singular goal in mind –“Keep a smile on my face,” she said, “trying to keep everyone happy and upbeat.”
“She’s such a hard worker, and brings that intensity to every single play,” said head coach Tiffany Hill, “and it’s a level of mental toughness that the rest of the team looks up to – that’s what makes her such a tremendous leader.”
As for the whole squad, Hill has seen a dramatic shift in the way has taken Smith’s leadership and carried it over to game action. “We’re playing more as a unit now,” said Hill. “The girls are communicating on a whole different level than where we began the season, which allows us to run our offense.”
Case in point, the Bears executed a number of sharp offensive sequences in the second half that led to buckets for Puett and Hampton in the lane. Junior Ashlyn Mikkelson poured in seven points during the third quarter ambush, while classmates Janae Boyd and Brooklyn Lee padded the Bears’ lead and help Dolores knock off Telluride for the second time this season.
Telluride, which was also enjoying one of their best scoring efforts of the season, received six points from sophomore Tjarn Lyons and five from senior Amy Guerrero.
It hasn’t always been easy – part of the ups and downs of playing a rigorous league schedule – but the payoff has the Bears angling toward a bright future. More important than wins and losses, Smith prioritizes one thing above it all.
“Sportsmanship – that’s how I want to be remembered,” she added, “and leaving a positive legacy for how everyone views Dolores basketball, from my teammates to the whole community.”
The Bears take to the road for the remainder of the regular season, facing league-leading Dove Creek on Saturday, Feb. 11 before wrapping up the regular season in Mancos on Friday, Feb. 17. Both of their games will be available for fans on local radio station 98.7 FM KRTZ and on krtzradio.com.
