Playing three times in three days at the Thunderbird Shootout in Mosca, Colo., the Dolores High School boys basketball team was unable to win a game. Bears head coach Larry Schwartz was encouraged by the play of his young team, however.

"I was really pleased with our guard play," said Schwartz. It was outstanding. We have a lot of work to do in the post, but we easily could have gotten out of the (Thunderbird Shootout) with a 2-1 record."

Bears overpowered by Sangre de Cristo

Playing its first game of the tournament against Sangre de Cristo on Dec. 4, Dolores was stifled by their talented opponents, losing 71-26.

(Sangre de Cristo) is big, and they have a loaded team," said Schwartz. "They're all athletes, and they just overpowered us. They rarely put the ball on the ground to dribble it, and they're all good shooters."

Bears lose nail-biter to Mesa Vista

Facing off against Mesa Vista on Dec. 5, Dolores battled for four quarters before losing 56-55.

According to Schwartz, the Bears led 55-54 with under a minute left, but missed four consecutive free throws. After an offensive rebound and put back put Mesa Vista ahead 56-55 with seven seconds to go.

After receiving an in-bounds pass, Bears guard Jaden Balderama was fouled, but missed two consecutive free throws and time expired eventually expired.

"We had (Mesa Vista) beat," said Schwartz. "The boys played great until the last part of the fourth quarter."

Bears drop close game to Antonito

Competing against Antonito on Dec. 6, Dolores lost 49-45 after leading 17-4 early in the game.

"I have no explanation for what happened," Schwartz said. "(Antonito) dropped back into a zone defense and packed it in. They dared us to shoot from the outside, and we went stone cold."

With their record now at 0-3 on the year, the Bears will next travel to Ignacio on Dec. 18. The boys varsity game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.