Sam Dadagian returns for his senior season after leading the Hillers to the state tournament last year. PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

The Hopkinton High School boys basketball team started 2025 hoping for the same thing that many wish for in the new year: health.

The Hillers saw their top returning player, senior captain Sam Dadagian, and starting point guard, junior Gavin Cho, each miss time with ankle injuries. Other Hopkinton players have dealt with concussions, having teeth knocked out and an assortment of other injuries.

“It’s been a MASH unit so far,” said coach Tom Keane.

But Hopkinton got healthier with the turn of the calendar as both Dadagian and Cho returned to practice. Keane has high hopes for his team this season, particularly if it can stay healthy.

“It should be good for us that a lot of kids who didn’t have a lot of varsity experience had to step in and play a lot of minutes,” Keane said. “Hopefully, when we get everybody back, it will strengthen us as a team.”

Sophomore forward Ryland August moved into the starting lineup at the start of the season. Tory Ahlstrom-Hall, a junior guard, has also seen an increased role. Seniors Jackson Canales and Mitch Simulis are stepping to more court time than they might have had in the past, and Keane said both are responding well.

Still, Keane spent the winter break looking forward to getting his stars back, including Dadagian, who earned a nod as a Tri-Valley League All-Star a season ago after averaging 17 points and eight rebounds per game.

“He is one of the best players in our league,” Keane said. “He has gotten even stronger and taller since last year, so I expect he will continue to lead us offensively and defensively. He gets to the basketball well, he finishes in transition well, and his three-point shot has gotten better and better every year.”

Hopkinton hit winter break winning three of its first four games despite being relatively depleted by injuries and playing a tough schedule. The Hillers faced two teams — Norwood and Milford — who started 6-foot-10 centers, beating Norwood and falling to Milford on the final possession. Hopkinton also earned close wins over Dedham and Holliston as it started its march through Tri-Valley League large school competition.

The Hillers’ top new year’s resolution is to get healthy. Its other goals are similar to most seasons: compete in the TVL and get to the postseason.

“We have been lucky enough to get to the state tournament for 21 out of the 24 years I have been coaching,” Keane said. “We want to make it to the state tournament again, and make a run when we get there.”