After finishing the 2013-14 season with a 4-16 record, members of the Dolores High School basketball team entered the off-season determined to improve.
Playing in a summer tournament in Dove Creek, June 19-20, the Bears finished with a 5-0 record, defeating teams from Ridgway, Towaoc and Dove Creek.
According to Dolores High School head coach Larry Schwartz, nearly every player on the team performed well during the two-day tournament.
"The whole group has improved this summer," said Schwartz. "We've been having open gyms twice every week. (The players) are shaping up to be a pretty good bunch."
Team members that competed in Dove Creek included Daniel Fernandez, Obed Simental, Jalen Balderrama, Walter Parks, Cael McHenry, Ben Lykins, Clarence Dennison, Mikeal Ford, K.C. Davis and Tristan Boren.
Among the players who stood out was Fernandez, who is preparing for his freshman season.
"Daniel Fernandez is going to be outstanding," said Schwartz. "He brings great skills as a point guard."
Also commended by Schwartz was Lykins, who, after averaging 6.1 points as a sophomore last season, is looking to improve.
"Ben just keeps working hard and improving," said Schwartz. "He's always in the gym."
Although the team has no tournaments on the schedule for the remainder of the year, players will participate in open gyms and play in the Cortez Rec League throughout the summer.