Dobson’s state championship run in 2015 was considered a Cinderella run for the ages. But rarely do people talk about the “fairy godfather” behind the scenes. Coach Tyler Dumas planned to retire after the 2014 season but had 10 juniors turning seniors who needed guidance.

“Every player had some kind of story,” Dumas said. “Some players didn't have a parent; some players couldn't afford shoes.”

“If I go one more year it would be easier to walk away.”

Dumas played the role of fairy godfather to his team of Cinderella’s and had to work his magic. That magic? To get his team to play and live like a family.

“I don't think anyone thought we were going to be good,” Dumas said. “We overachieved, we shouldn't have beat a lot of those teams but we were so cohesive as a unit.”

The 2015 Dobson squad entered the postseason ranked sixth and marched through the best teams in the state until it finally ended with a state title. The “family first” mindset was the top priority according to Dumas.

“It’s about purpose,” Dumas said. “I wanted to invest in a community and help individuals within the community grow and accomplish things that they may not be able to do without some guidance.”

The Cinderella story did have a happy epilogue. Dumas said all 10 seniors on that championship team got offers to play basketball in college.

Dumas no longer coaches for Dobson but has taken up an assistant principal position at the school that allows him to continue his community investment in a different area. However, Dobson girls basketball is still all about family.

“Coach Dumas is a family man who is strong in his faith and community,” head coach Henry Bribiescas said. “I am quite the same.”

Bribiescas took over the program after Dumas retired in 2015. Dumas said there are similarities and differences between Bribiescas and himself.

“Our coaching styles are different but where we are similar is in our why,” Dumas said. “We both want to help young adults, we both work to make their situations and lives better.”

“I think I can speak for the both of us when I say that their success beyond basketball and beyond high school bring us a great deal of joy.”

Bribiescas walked into a program coming off of a state championship that had 10 graduating seniors. Bribiescas said it was challenging at first but the “family first” mantra that both coaches believed in made it easier to accomplish goals.

“Our goal is to provide the best family situation for our girls,” Bribiescas said. “We work on character building with each girl and advocate to them what family is all about.”

Dumas and Bribiescas have children of their own, Bribiescas said that has helped him grow as a leader for his team.

“Having kids of my own and coaching all three of my daughters has absolutely been an advantage,” Bribiescas said. “Having my daughters play in the program has helped me understand better what the girls must go through.”

What Bribiescas said holds true according to graduating senior and co-captain Cailee Benford. Benford said Bribiescas has always been there for her and she can always approach Bribiescas to talk about anything.

“I know he will be straight up with me because he cares,” Benford said.

Bribiescas is carrying the torch that holds the unique philosophy that Dobson is all about. Bribiescas means it when he said it's a “family first” mindset.

“One lesson I’ve learned over the years is to treat each girl on the team as if they were your own daughter.”