Pats, Cards earn trip to Lafayette

Friday night the Ellender Patriots men’s basketball team was in Hammond cheering the Lady Patriots to a Class 5A state title. Just 24 hours later, the Patriots took care of their own business in St. Amant with an 85-59 win over the St. Amant Gators in Class 5A quarterfinal action.

The win ensures the Patriots their first trip to Lafayette since 1999 and the first ever for six-year Head Coach Scott Gauthreaux.

“I actually shed a tear a little when I knew we had it wrapped up,” Gauthreaux said. “I’m proud of the guys, this is what we worked for but we still have work to do next Sunday.”

The Gators (22-11) entered the game as the Cinderella team having won their first two games on the road. Early on, it appeared the Gators might have another upset in them and give the Patriots a run for their money.

After Ellender (37-2) jumped out to an early 8-3 lead, Gauthreaux went to the bench and brought in five fresh legs. The Gators used that to their advantage and put together an 8-0 run to take the 11-8 lead. The Gators held on for a 14-10 lead after one.

That would ultimately end up being the Gators only lead of the night.

Led by 10 second quarter points by John Woodside, Ellender responded in a big way, going back to their starters, and put together a 9-0 run to regain the lead 19-14. Ellender led by as many as 13 in the second, 35-22, but the Gators were able to close it to ten, 35-25, at halftime.

Following the season like a book, Ellender used another solid performance in the third quarter to all but put the game away. A 14-0 run midway through the quarter put the Patriots comfortably ahead 51-30 at the 2:32 mark. The Patriots carried a 59-40 lead heading into the final quarter.

Jamal Nixon added 8 points in the fourth to seal the deal and ensure the Patriots the trip to the Cajun Dome.

“I think early on it was adrenaline and nerves taking over,” Gauthreaux said. “Once we settled down we were able to do what we do and dominate in the second, third and fourth quarters.”

St. Amant Head Coach Gary Duhe said he sees no reason why the Patriots cannot win the state title.

“They are by far the best team in the state,” Duhe said. “The rest of the teams in the Top 28 are playing for second.”

Nixon and Walter Jones scored in double figures to lead the Patriots while the Gators also had two, Travis Bureau and Brandon Morris, in double figures.

The Patriots now play Barbe Sunday at 4:30 in the Cajun Dome.

“It’s good to finally get over the hump,” Gauthreaux said. “We have had some great teams in the past but we could never get there. This one just feels good.”

E.D. White 73, Independence 59

E.D. White will join Ellender as the other local team to reach Lafayette. The Cardinals punched their ticket vie a 73-59 win over Independence, last Friday night. It will be E.D. White’s first-ever trip to the state semifinals.