This time last year, the Old Rochester High School boys basketball team suffered a narrow loss to Westport in the final round of the division playoffs.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs walked off the court at Taunton High School with the South Division 3 trophy – and their heads – held high.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Head Coach Steve Carvalho said after the win.

The No. 1 seed Bulldogs defeated the No. 6 seed Norton Lancers 64-53 in a closely contested game that featured a strong defensive effort from both teams.

Lancer offense kept ORR fighting for every possession. It wasn’t until the final minutes of the game that the Bulldogs secured a comfortable lead.

With 4:34 left in the final quarter, Norton had momentum as it closed the gap 48-44 following a three-point shot. Soon after, the Bulldogs found themselves in trouble as junior Evan Santos, sophomore Matt Valles and freshman Noah Fernades all fouled in quick succession.

Norton failed to sink a series of free throws. A lay up from Fernades and a steal courtesy of Santos converted that turnover into two more points. The Bulldogs were up 50-44 with 3:40 left on the clock.

There was fight left in the Lancers, however.

After senior co-captain Jordan Menard sunk a three pointer from the corner, Norton answered with one of its own on the next possession.

That wasn’t going to be enough.

With 1:15 left in the game and the score 57-48 in the Bulldogs favor Norton fans started to exit.

“I have full faith the team will leave with the win,” one fan joked. “But I’ve got to beat the traffic.”

Carvalho credited the entire team for the win, saying that Fernandes, at the point guard position, has been a welcome addition.

“You’ve got to remember that he’s a freshman,” Carvalho said. “He doesn’t play like one.”

Following the presentation of the trophy, the Bulldogs celebrated with the Dog Pound, the student cheering section, who were bussed to the game.

The win continued a whirlwind season for the team. For the first time in 20 plus years, the Bulldogs defeated longtime rivals Wareham twice, once on the Vikings home court.

Carvalho gave the boys Sunday to rest, but now the focus is preparing for the team’s next challenge, Pentucket Regional High School of West Newbury.

The Bulldogs play Pentucket on March 10 at 4 p.m. at Boston’s TD Garden in the first round of the State Division 3 tournament.