In their second year with head coach Matt Trahan, the Cougars are heading again tournament bound.

Last year the Old Colony Vocational Technical High School boys basketball team took home its first ever win in the Vocational Small School Tournament, but they haven’t let it go to their head.

“The thing I can appreciate about them the most, when we watch film (of games) – they’re not laughing and joking,” said Trahan. “They’re looking at how they can get better.”

Since taking over for the school’s longtime coach Buddy Perry, who retired after 35 years, Trahan has implemented some new strategies.

From reviewing games to scouting out other teams, Trahan said, “The kids have really bought into the system. The thing that says it all is that the coaches and myself, after a big win or a tough loss, we all enjoy coming to practice the next day.”

And it’s a good thing because the team hasn’t had more than two days off for the entire season, said Trahan.

“We treat the kids almost like they’re in college already. They know that it’s a long grind, a long season,” he said. “They find a way to rally each other and weather the storm whether it’s good, bad or ugly. They’re not giving up.”

The team is serious about winning and have held their own with a season record of 12-7. Their Thursday, Feb. 7 win against Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (48-45) secured them a spot at the vocational tournament as well as state.

Trahan admits there is some stiff competition in the league this year. The Cougars beat South Shore Vocational Technical High School for the conference win in 2013, but the competition might be tougher this time around.

“They are unbelievable this year,” said Trahan.

The boys are putting in the time to take on South Shore, and have several high scorers.

Jake Pringle, a captain, is a “prime time scorer” as well as Jarryde Melo, said Trahan.

Ted Romanelli, a junior on the team, has also stepped up his game this season. He recently reached his personal best of 25 points in one game.

“That’s pretty exciting for me. I’ve never been a real high scorer,” said Romanelli.

Overall, he said he can’t complain with how the team has played this year, and neither can his coach.

“They’re all a bunch of workhorses, and they don’t give up,” said Trahan.