HOUMA -- March 16, 2007.

For most people, it was just a normal day nearly a year ago.

But for the Ellender Memorial boys’ basketball team, it’s a day it will never forget.

On that day, Ellender rolled into the Class 5A championship game in Lafayette looking to win its second state championship in school history.

But the Patriots fell short, losing to Westgate 75-70 in overtime.

Since then, they haven’t forgotten what happened on that unfortunate night in the Cajundome.

"It goes through my mind everyday," Ellender guard/forward Jamal Nixon said. "It’s tough."

Ellender guard Chris Duthu can still remember the pain.

"I was just devastated because we worked so hard to get there," Duthu said. "All the sweat and tears we went through. It was just unreal that we didn’t go out there and win it that night."

Now a year later, the Patriots, who dropped from Class 5A to Class 4A this season, are ready to redeem themselves by making a return trip to the state finals.

Their journey begins Friday in the bi-district round of the playoffs against an opponent that will be announced later today.

"We’re hungry to get back up there to Lafayette," Ellender forward Sterling Jones said. "We want to win it all this time."

The Patriots finished the regular season at 27-9 overall. They finished second in District 8-4A behind Helen Cox.

Ellender coach Scott Gauthreaux said this season’s road to the Boys Top 28 in Lafayette will be tough for the Patriots. Especially with 4A powerhouses such as Peabody and Helen Cox all competing for the same prize.

"It’ll be interesting … 4A is definitely not a joke," Gauthreaux said. "You got to play the cards your dealt. We’re going to go out and we’re going to do our best."

Although the team enjoyed a winning record this year, Gauthreaux said the Patriots haven’t reached their full potential.

"This team hasn’t peaked yet," Gauthreaux said. "I don’t think we’ve played as good as we should have, but if we’re going to make that special run like special teams do, we need to hit that peak. The guys have to want it."

Gauthreaux also said that the team’s seniors -- Jones (23.6 points per game), Nixon (15.0 ppg), Duthu (12.7 ppg) and David Steward (6.5 ppg) -- must show leadership in the playoffs.

"This is their last chance at a state title after a great high school career," Gauthreaux said. "What better way to top it off than going out there and being the best team you can be? Hopefully they understand that it’s nearing the end. It’s time for them to step up. I truly believe we can do something special this year."

During their careers, Ellender’s senior class has won 100 games and a district title.

Steward, a guard, said experience like that helps in the playoffs.

"We’ve been there before," Steward said. "We have the experience and know what it takes to win a championship. We just have to handle our business in the playoffs."

Nixon said it would be a dream to end his senior season with another trip to the state finals.

"We’re just looking to get back what we lost last year," Nixon said. "We want to get back to that stage again."

Ellender averaged 76.8 points per game this season.

But the Patriots’ biggest concern entering the playoffs is their lack of height.

The tallest player on their roster is sophomore forward Joe Wheaton, who stands at 6-foot-3.

To overcome that weakness, the Patriots will try to do what they do best. Frustrate opponents with their pressure defense, force turnovers and score easy transition baskets.

"Coach always told us the quicker we are is always better because we have a lot of speed," Steward said. "We don’t have that much height, but that’s why we have to box out and rebound. That’s what hurt us last year."

Gauthreaux said he is anxious to see how the Patriots respond in the postseason.

"Sometimes you have to fail before you succeed, and we definitely failed last year. Even though it wasn’t a failing season by no means, it was failure," Gauthreaux said. "You accomplish a goal and put yourself in a chance to win the state championship, and you don’t do it. Hopefully that’ll make us hungry to come out and get it done."