Holiday Break Resets Bulldogs Winter Sports, Focus Turns to League Play

Dove Creek hosted the Bulldog Classic on December 21, giving both Bulldog programs an early look at competition they will face when San Juan Basin League play opens in January. The girls advanced to the title game after a 54 to 36 victory over Monticello, then fell to defending league champion Nucla 51 to 20. The boys were competitive but lost to Monticello 47 to 30 and to Telluride 61 to 43.

Senior leadership carried the girls in the opener, as the Class of 2026 accounted for 42 of the team total. Senior post Taylor Hampton scored 20 points and Hadley Hatfield added 10. Other contributors included Allex Williams with seven, Mykaela Fury with six and Ambrynn Huffaker with five. Hampton battled foul trouble in the title game but still scored 11 points as Nucla, now 8 and 0, used balanced scoring to close the tournament.

Head coach Julie Kibel emphasized development across the roster, saying, "All of our new starters (Williams, Fury, and Huffaker) are getting more confident, weve had some new offenses, new looks and lots of drills, and one thing has never changed, these kids have the heart, grit and desire. Were leaning on everyone to become shooters, because we cant have other teams just keying in one or two players." She added, "One of the most fun parts of this group has been watching them develop, you can see their eyes light up and do things that they may not have thought they could do before."

On the boys side, senior Trevan Ivie erupted for a career high 28 points against Telluride, including 20 of the Bulldogs 26 second half points. Nicholas Aragon scored 18 against Monticello and Ivie had 10 in that game despite foul trouble. Coach Teresa Martin pointed to progress amid early struggles, saying, "These guys continue to battle all the way to the end. Were still going through some growing pains, but its still a work in progress. Im proud of them for keeping their heads through all of it." She also noted leadership off the court, saying, "He helped coach the kids while he was out of the game, and that showed me a lot about his leadership."

For Dolores County residents, the tournament underscored ongoing community realities. Small school programs depend on a core of seniors and volunteer support, and extended road schedules create costs and time burdens for families. The Bulldogs start 2026 at 0 and 0 in league play, with the girls meeting Mancos at home on January 13, a Border War game against Monticello on January 20, and rematches with Nucla in January and February. The boys play four of their first six games on the road, including trips to Ridgway on January 17 and Nucla on January 27. As teams return from the holiday break, coaches and families will balance conditioning, injury prevention, and the social supports that keep small town athletics sustainable.