Michael Bear appeared to be stuck in neutral for the first two years of his career.

However, the Junior forward from Delta is starting to emerge as a viable threat off the bench for the Mavs.

Over the past five games, Bear has averaged 16 points off the bench, including a 31 point effort in last Friday's win over UN-Kearney.

"I feel like i can get better in everything i do but i don't feel like i have one thing that holds me back," says Bear, "I've worked on every aspect of my game trying to get as good as i can." how confident is michael bear these days?... "completely confident.

The emergence of Bear's game is partially credited to the motivation given him recently by head coach, Jim Heaps.

"I told him now you're a junior, you're a very talented offensive player. it's time for you to step up," said Coach Heaps.

At 6'7, Bear has the size and wingspan to play around the basket, but can also handle the ball on the perimeter, and has a soft touch from the outside.

"He's just a tough match up. he can beat you with jump shots, he can beat you off the dribble, and he can beat you with post moves and there's not a lot of players out there that can do all three," says Coach Heaps.

And, his versatility is showing forth this season. Bear leads the Mavs in both blocked shots and 3-point field goal percentage.

But, Bear is more focused on team success right now, than individual accomplishments.

"Were playing well right now, and hopefully we can ride this into the playoffs," he says.

The stretch run for the Mavs starts this Friday at New Mexico Highlands.

The Mavs will then head to Western New Mexico and Western State, before finishing out the season at home with Adams State and Fort Lewis.