LAKEVILLE— The Lakers are feeling the effects of ratcheting up their level of competition from last year.  

Apponequet was hit with the toughest part of the competition season right out of the gate, said Lakers Head Coach Jim Cabucio. After four consecutive losses, the Lakers brought in their first win against Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School on Friday, Jan. 3. Cabucio noted that the teams his athletes have faced so far have been “excellent teams” and that “we’re still working our way into what type of team we’re going to be.”  

After making it to the Round of 16 in the state championship for just the fifth time in the school’s history last year, Cabucio said the Lakers would face a higher level of competition this season.  

The team is also struggling with the loss of two high-scoring seniors Nate Levesque and Caiden Cyr.  

“We’re learning under fire right now,” admitted Cabucio, after the Laker’s third consecutive loss to the Somerset Berkeley Blue Raders on Friday, Dec. 20.  

Senior Jayden Pierre has made it his mission to help fill in the gaps left by those two pivotal players, Pierre said after the matchup. He noted that he hopes to be part of “an aggressive team,” that “plays a great first half.”  

At the moment, Cabucio is telling his players to focus on the here and now. “We’re looking to be a little better tomorrow than we were today,” he said.    

Senior Will Horton stated that success can only come once a team has nailed down the fundamentals like having good chemistry, getting layups, and making free throws. “If we can do that, we’ll be alright,” he said.

Staying calm is also key, according to Senior Guard Will Levrault. “These games get intense,” he said, his red, sweat-streaked face during the Dec. 20 game serving as proof.  

To get out of this rough patch, the Lakers need to improve their offense. “We’ve got to score. We’ve got to be able to shoot with a higher efficiency,” said Cabucio.  

One feature that can’t be underestimated however is the team’s energy. “We don’t quit, and we play very hard,” noted Cabucio.  

Over the last three years, the Lakers have had a similar number of wins and losses each year. This season, Levrault wants the team to finally finish with a decisive winning record, he said.  

Horton’ hopes to make it “as far as we can go [in the playoffs],” he said, noting “that’s always what we're looking for.”  

The Lakers are looking forward to playing some of the teams they lost against once more on their home court, said Cabucio.  

“We’ve got a long way to go,” but “hopefully by the end of the season, we’ll be the team we want to be,” the Lakers coach stated.