New year, same goals: Bulldogs look for wins this season
Horsey looks for a layup.
Grady Oliveira dribbles the ball down the court.
Noah Thorell goes up for a shot early in the game.
Boden Soucy throws a layup. 
Boden Soucy goes up for a layup.
Noah Thorell has a fast break.
Hunter Horsey plays defense.
Horsey goes for a reverse layup.
The Bulldogs defend against a dunk. 
Horsey blocks a layup attempt.
The Bulldogs play defense against a three pointer.
Brody Hiles waits to rebound a free throw.
Noah Thorell goes for a layup. 
Henry Berry looks for a shot.
Oliveira looks down the court.
Noah Thorell lines up for a free throw.
Thorell waits for the play to begin.
Brody Hiles takes a jump shot.
Thorell grabs a rebound.
Horsey lines up for a free throw.
Horsey goes for a layup in the key.
Grady Oliveira looks to pass the ball.
Hunter Horsey goes for a layup.
Horsey looks for a layup.
Grady Oliveira dribbles the ball down the court.
Noah Thorell goes up for a shot early in the game.
Boden Soucy throws a layup.
Boden Soucy goes up for a layup.
Noah Thorell has a fast break.
Hunter Horsey plays defense.
Horsey goes for a reverse layup.
The Bulldogs defend against a dunk.
Horsey blocks a layup attempt.
The Bulldogs play defense against a three pointer.
Brody Hiles waits to rebound a free throw.
Noah Thorell goes for a layup.
Henry Berry looks for a shot.
Oliveira looks down the court.
Noah Thorell lines up for a free throw.
Thorell waits for the play to begin.
Brody Hiles takes a jump shot.
Thorell grabs a rebound.
Horsey lines up for a free throw.
Horsey goes for a layup in the key.
Grady Oliveira looks to pass the ball.
Hunter Horsey goes for a layup.
MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Bulldogs dribbled into the New year with high goals despite taking a Friday night loss.
The Old Rochester Regional High School varsity boys basketball team’s current record is 4-3 after what Steve Carvalho, head coach, described as a tough December schedule.
The Bulldogs took on Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School on Friday, Jan. 2 ending the game 75-68.
Carvalho, head coach of Old Rochester for 21 years, said he is excited for basketball season, and hopes to win the state championships. Last year, the team lost the championship game.
“We're out to win the league and it's not going to be easy, but that is certainly one of my goals,” Carvalho said.
He said the team is made up of a good mix of veteran and new players this year. The strongest aspect of this team is how hard working and committed to the fundamentals they are, Carvalho said.
“They're a good mixture of even the non-basketball stuff, about being an unselfish teammate, sharing the ball, but also understanding their roles,” he said.
Brody Hiles, a senior captain, said the strongest aspect of their team is how physical they are, especially on defense. He said their strong defense promotes an even stronger offense.
Brendan Spenard, another senior captain, agreed and said their defense gives them many opportunities through fast breaks, rebounds and just running.
Spenard, who plays center, said he hopes they can get better everyday, one step at a time.
“If we get 1% better every day, we'll be as best as we can be at the end of the season and hopefully make a fun playoff,” Spenard said.
Noah Thorell, the third senior captain, said he wants to focus on his shooting and make sure to be the best teammate and captain he can be throughout the season.
“It's great to have this responsibility,” Thorell said. “I like helping my teammates by working as hard as I can be to be a good leader. It's a big role.”
Carvalho and the captains said the toughest competition of the year will be Wareham High School, Bishop Stang High School and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
As the season goes on, the captains said they hope to build a connected team. Hiles said they want to make sure everyone is happy at practice and games, and become friends.
