At Bedford High School, athletic expectations tend to run high.

So when the word starts to circulate around the Granite State that the Bulldogs might be down a bit in boys basketball this winter, it does no tend to sit well.

“We have been very busy in the preseason and the kids have shown great effort,” said Bedford boys coach Mark Elmendorf, now entering his fourth year at the helm. “They absolutely have the will to win. I think it is important to them that they prove people wrong for not picking them higher, especially after graduating so many experienced players.”

Bedford went 14-4 a year ago and was upset at home in the state quarterfinals by Dover. It left a taste in the returning players’ mouths.

Clearly, BHS boys hoop is back with a purpose.

Of course, there are bigger hurdles to overcome this winter. Tri-captain Tim Galamaga endured football injury that will keep him out the entire winter campaign. He’ll be leading, per usual, but it will be from the sideline, not the court.

One state champ footballer that will have a major impact on the court is Harry Legoullon. Junior Justin O’Neill rounds out the

triumvirate.

“Each has shown tremendous leadership,” said Elmendorf.

Seniors Thomas Morgan, the quarterback in the fall, Noah Kokkinos and Kaleb Harrington add experience, athleticism and a winning attitude to the program.

Newcomers Jordan Dyer, Connor butts, Cam Fillion and Kobe Brown will fight for time in the backcourt, while Aiden Comeau and Tre Ravenelle add depth and physicality up front.

The Bedford High boys open on December 18 at home against South.

All girls in Division I chasing Guertin

The bar is set so high in Division I girls basketball with the entire state looking up at three-time defending state champion Bishop Guertin. Bedford High, despite losing six players to graduation, expects to be right there at the head of the chase.

“Our goal is to again get to the Final Four,” said coach Sue Thomas. “There are a number of teams that will challenge us but as long as we continue to improve throughout the season, we believe that we will again be one to the state’s top teams.”

Bedford returns just one starter, co-captain Lizzy Stevenson. The senior scored 7.4 points a game last year. Fellow senior co-captain Kendi Barnard is the top returner up front.

Both will play college ball next winter at Roger Williams. On a team with a pair of sophomores and three freshmen, junior Alli Morgan takes over at the point guard slot. Sophomore Isabella King is a shooter that teams will need to prepare for, while Amanda Jones has stepped up her inside game.

Junior Emma Rosenbaum is a glue-type of player, proving the defense, rebounding and grit that makes good teams great.

“Everyone has stepped up and is ready to compete again this season,” said Thomas. “The team is well-rounded with very good outside shooters while also having a strong inside game.”

The Bedford girls open Friday night (Dec. 14) at home against Memorial.

Boys hockey hungry again

After back-to-back Division I state championships, the Bedford High boys ice hockey team fell a goal short of a three-peat, dropping a 2-1 decision to Hanover in the title game a year ago.

So much can happen between now and March on the ice, but it appears again in 2018-19 that the Bulldogs can again be positioned in the state championship mix.

“We want to play consistent throughout the season. We want to compete in

every game and get better as the season progresses,” said coach Martin Myers.

This Bulldogs team features a nice mix of high-powered skill players with the proper supporting guys around them, willing to deliver whatever it takes for team success.

Senior Jake Sanclemente, who netted 11 goals with 15 assists last year, is the top returning point-getter. Paired up from with classmates Jack Sylvain (9 goals, 11 assists) and Parker Roberto (14 goals, 9 assists), this trio could wreak some serious havoc this time around.

“We have good leadership with our captains (Sanclemente, Roberto and defenseman Tim Spencer),” said Myers. “Our defense has a lot of experience and is very defensive minded. Offensively we have players who like to share the puck and play well as a unit.”

Spencer, who kills it on both special teams, anchors the blue line, coming off a three-goal, seven-assist junior year. He and senior classmate Parker Joyce (1 goal, 7 assists) will help nurture a young, inexperienced but very talented defensive corps.

Goalie is a question mark with the graduation of incumbent Conner Laurendeau. The Bulldogs’ roster currently lists Shea Guimont and Ben Bernard as potential heirs apparent.

Bedford opened the season Wednesday with a win over Salem and next plays Londonderry Saturday.

Girls Varsity Basketball

COACH: Sue Thomas

RETURNING STARTERS: Lizzy Stevenson, Sr., G

RETURNING ATHLETES: Kendi Barnard, Sr., F; Alli Morgan, Jr., G; Amanda Jonas, Jr., F; Emma Rosenbaum, Jr., F

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Zoe Michaud, Jr., G; Ava Gaudette, Jr., G; Isabella King, So., G/F; Marina Braga, So., G; Saphia Mumpini, Fr., G; Catherine Penick, Fr., F; Sydney Suozzo, Fr. G

Boys Ice Hockey

COACH: Marty Myers

RETURNING ATHLETES: Parker Joyce, Sr., D; Tim Spencer, Sr., D; Lucas Debonville, Sr., F; Kambal Vaidya, Sr., F; Matt Mirabile, Sr., F; Jake Sanclemente, Sr., F; Jack Sylvain, Sr., F; Parker Roberto, Sr., F

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Brett Niland, Fr., F; Quinlan Kerr, Soph., F; Will Scott, Soph., F; Owen Roberto, Soph., F; Alex Lobdell, Soph., F