With several of its players battling injuries and sickness, things have gone from bad to worse for the Dolores High School boys basketball team, which is now 2-15 on the season.
Adding insult to injury, according to Bears head coach Larry Schwartz, have been numerous pour calls by local officials.
"I'm sick and tired of the officiating," said Schwartz. "Calls have been incorrect and inconsistent. I'm not happy."
Bears lose to Ouray
Opening last week at home against Ouray on Feb. 13, Dolores hung tough for three quarters before being outscored by 21 points in the fourth in route to a 84-61 loss.
Keying Ouray's victory was a switch to a dribble and drive offense, which consistently gave the Bears trouble. Schwartz said that the officials' refusal to call charges did not help matters.
"We teach our kids to protect themselves when they take charges," said the Dolores coach. "We teach them to take it in the chest and go to the floor. Apparently, the officials don't see that as a charge."
Junior guard Branden Donaldson led Dolores with 15 points and senior guard Mikeal Ford contributed 13.
"Ouray is a good team and we played well," said Schwartz. "If not for the fourth quarter, we would have been right there."
Bears fall in Ridgway
Next playing in Ridgway on Feb. 14, Dolores once again held strong for four quarters, but ultimately lost, 59-50.
Highlighting the contest for the Bears was a career-high 30 points from Ford, who managed to score from almost everywhere on the floor.
"We turned the ball over a couple of times in the fourth quarter and that made the difference in the game," said Schwartz. "We had a chance to win, but for some reason, we couldn't stop Ridgway's Quinlin McNatt.
McNatt scored 18 points in the game.
Outmuscled by Dove Creek
Facing off against Dove Creek on the road on Deb. 17, the Bears were undone by foul trouble and lost 62-48.
Three Dolores starters fouled out and the team's two other starters had four fouls. No Dove Creek player fouled out in the contest.
"I'm not a happy man," said Schwartz. "With the physical style of basketball that Dove Creek plays, I would have thought at least one of their players would have fouled out."
Jalen Balderama led Dolores with 19 points and Ford chipped in 10.
Next up for Dolores will be a road game against Mancos, which will take place on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.