Taking over as head coach this season will be Larry Schwartz, who will also coach the Bears boys this season. Experienced and known for his intensity, Schwartz said that his expectations for this year's team are high.
"We've got a good mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen," said Schwartz. "We've got depth at just about every position. The girls set a goal of making it out of regionals to state, and I think we can do that."
Guards will look to run
Armed with numerous quick and athletic ball handlers, this year's Dolores team will look to push the ball down the court at every opportunity. Schwartz said this year's team will also employ a full-court press.
Leading the way will be junior Nichole Kibel, who averaged 7 points per game last season. According to Schwartz, Kibel will see time at both point guard and shooting guard.
"(Kibel) is super fast and a good ball handler," said Schwartz. "She really improved over the summer."
Also likely to see a great deal of time at the shooting guard position will be junior Larissa Umberger, whose high-energy style consistently energized the Bears last season.
"At the guard position, (Umberger) rebounds like crazy," said Schwartz. She also plays great defense and knows how to move the ball."
Other guards likely to see a good deal of playing time include sophomore Madison Archuleta and freshmen Josie Majors and Sierra Schwartz.
Posts feature skill and size
With several tall players in its frontcourt, it appears that this year's Bears team will be capable of dominating inside.
Starting at the center position will be senior Taylor Elder, who averaged 5 points, 3 rebounds and one block per game last season.
Splitting time at forward for the Bears will be sophomore Breanna Maxwell and senior Jessica Schliesser. Freshman Cameron Elder will come off the bench and play mostly center for the Bears.
Schedule has challenges
As talented as Dolores could be this season, it seems likely that the Bears will be pushed on a consistent basis due to a difficult league and non-league schedule.
Highlighting the league schedule will be matchups against Ignacio, Norwood, Ridgway and Mancos.
"Ignacio is going to be pretty tough, and Ridgway is the team to beat (in the San Juan Basin League," said Schwartz. "Norwood will be tough on the 1A side."
Dolores will open its season in Alamosa at the Valley Classic Tournament, Dec. 5-7.