This will be a rebuilding year for the Old Rochester girls’ basketball team, which lost 7 of its 12 varsity players last year. Last season, the team played in the MIAA South Division 3 Semifinals and this squad has big shoes to fill.

The team held its first practice season on Dec. 2. For the most part, Coach Bob Hohne knows which players will be on varsity, but there are still decisions to be made. Hohne said that he is not nervous about the season.

Both coach and players agree that this year’s challenge is player inexperience. Many are new to the varsity team and are unfamiliar with each other’s styles. Hohne said he has to work on making his team better individual players before he can begin to make them a better team.

“All of the games are going to be tough early until we grow up,” he said.

Junior Ashley Pacheco agreed: “It’s going to get better as the season goes on and we are going to build on every game we play.” Tip off for the team’s first game is Monday, Dec. 16 at New Bedford High School at 6:30 p.m.