MONTPELIER — The Bear Lake High School girls basketball team has been looking every bit like the team that won the state championship last year.

The Bears have an impressive 15-3 overall record this season and a flawless 3-0 mark in conference play.

With only three losses—two to Sugar-Salem and a split series with Malad—the Bears are proving to be a dominant force on the court as they gear up for the postseason.

Bears head coach Ken Wells highlighted the team’s recent improvements, particularly on defense.

"We are starting to play well together on the defensive end of the court," Wells said, reflecting on the team's focus on shutting down opponents.

Bear Lake’s recent performances demonstrate the team's growing momentum.

The Bears' last five games have been decisive victories, especially on defense, as they've defeated Marsh Valley 63-28, North Fremont 57-35, American Falls 57-25, and Snake River twice by scores of 57-24 and 59-29. In their 15 victories this season there has been only one game where the Bears allowed an opponent to score 40 or more points and that was Dec. 20 in a 53-41 win against Wyoming's Mountain View.

The Bears’ final two games of the regular season will determine their postseason fate.

If Bear Lake wins these matchups, they will secure home-court advantage during the district tournament.

The two remaining games are both at home — a Jan. 29 rematch against American Falls and Senior Night against Marsh Valley on Jan. 31. 

With a strong defensive unit and a chance to host the district tournament on the line, the Bears are poised to make a statement in this closing stretch of the season.

District play could begin Feb. 4 with the state tournament in Middleton beginning Feb. 20.