The Old Rochester boys basketball team is back on the court, and the reigning Division 3 state champions have played each game of the young season as if the title is on the line.

This time last year, the Bulldogs started the season not knowing they would eventually celebrate their first championship in Worcester four months later. They earned the title after defeating the Hoosac Valley High School Hurricanes 61-47.

The teams’s memorable title run united the tri-town, as bus loads of students and residents of all ages made the trek to tournament games in Taunton, Boston and eventually Worcester’s DCU Center.

Coach Steve Carvalho is quick to say that this a new year, with new challenges.

“We’re proud of what we’ve done and we try be a confident group, not cocky.” he said. “We want to feed off our experiences from last year and be able to play in big games. But we’re also keeping our heads in the gym.”

One major change is the absence of star point guard Noah Fernandes, who led the team in assists, points and steals.

As a freshman, Fernandes was poised to offer the Bulldogs three additional years of excellent play. Instead, he transferred to Tabor Academy where he will compete for the Seawolves.

Carvalho said his decision was a blow for the Bulldogs, but ultimately the right one for Fernandes.

“No one can replace a ball player like that,” Carvalho said. “He is a special kid.”

Fernandes joined the team on Wednesday night when the Bulldogs raised their championship banner in the gymnasium ahead of a game against Case.

In Fernandes’ place, Carvalho said he’s experimenting with a “committee” of players made up of sophomore Jason Gamache, senior captain Evan Santos and junior Jacob Cafarella. The trio is in the rotation for the point guard position.

“We’re working on it a little bit of a different look this year, but we’re still going to do what we do,” Carvalho said.

So far, the strategy has been very effective.

In the season opener, the Bulldogs beat Seekonk by 19 points in a 70-51 win. ORR also handily beat Fairhaven 48-33.

The team’s latest game against Bourne proved tougher as the Canalmen and Bulldogs traded the lead many times in the first three quarters.

“That was a great high school basketball game,” Carvalho said. “It was one point back and forth and back and forth until we reached the 50s. We knew we had our hands full.”

When the Bulldog’s defense tightened and the offense found ways to get the ball inside the paint, it was over for Bourne, as ORR won 77-63 on Dec. 21.

Looking ahead, Carvalho said the team has found its rhythm on defense, rebounding and defending the basket well.

The Bulldogs still need work on their outside shooting, but overall Carvalho said he’s pleased with the team’s performance so far.

“It’s still early, but we’ll take three and zero,” Carvalho said, referring to the team’s record.