Dobson girls basketball coach Tyler Dumas kept running players in and out of Wednesday's game with Thunderbird and there were no ill effects from substitutions.

Such is the way Dobson will play this season. With a deep squad at his disposal, Dumas' team ran its record to 3-0 with a 59-23 rout of Thunderbird in pool play of the Highland Thanksgiving Tournament at Mesquite High School.

"We have a lot of depth and when we substitute it will be different at times, but won't be any dropoff," Dumas said. "We've got three starters back, some other role players and help from a junior varsity team that was 17-1. It's a great group of kids."

Dobson built a 13-3 lead in the first period and stretched it to 31-9 by halftime. The reason was relentless defense even via pressing or man-man pressure in half court. Dobson picked up a good share of easy baskets from pressure and even got a couple of threes that its been famous for in recent years without an offensive presence inside.

Dobson's three returning starters led the way. Junior Dyesha Stahley scored 15 points, most off layups from Dobson's pressure tactics. Senior guards Miyah Leith and Tori Lloyd chipped in with 11 points and 10, respectively. They supplied the perimeter scoring for the most part.

Juniors Monay Mariscal and Sara Nichols give Dobson an inside presence defensively it hasn't had since center Kameron Knutsen back in the 2010 state title season.  Depth at the guard spot allowed Dumas to play 10 or 11 players much of the game and 11 scored at least two points.  Dobson won its first two tournament games 48-20 over Desert Mountain and 62-20 over Tolleson.  

"We've played pretty well these first three games," Dumas said. "We have a solid group of juniors and seniors. Teams are going to  understand our experience and defense are pretty good."

Thunderbird (2-1) usually a contender in Division II as runner-up semifinal finish, quarterfinal finish the last three seasons illustrates, looked the part of an inexperienced team and was often frustrated at Dobson's tenacity that didn't wane regardless of substitution. Thunderbird won its first two games of the tournament, 47-41 over Tolleson and 43-40 over Desert Mountain. Thunderbird was 30-4 last year. Thunderbird was led Wednesday by junior guard Ann Shikles with eight points.