The run that the Abbeville Wildcats made this was one the school has not seen in recent memory.

“We had a great season,” Abbeville head coach Berwick Hamilton said.

The Wildcats finished the season 27-7. They went through District 5-4A with a 10-2 mark. That led to a co-district title, something that had not happened since 2003.

The Wildcats took the regular-season momentum into the playoffs, too. Abbeville rolled to a win over Northwood in the bi-district round. No one could remember the last time Abbeville won a playoff game. The question was asked to many who might know the answer.

“It had to be at least 15 years ago,” one person said.

The Wildcats’ season came to an end Tuesday with a 51-41 loss to Salmen, a program that has been through the playoff fire. Salmen is the type of program the Wildcats would like to emulate. The Wildcats have now reached the postseason two years in a row.

“I hope we are building something,” Hamilton said. “I hope it continues to grow. That is what we talked about after the game.

“Next year is the first thing we talked about when we got to the locker room. There is a next year and life will go on.”

Life will go on for the Wildcats, only life will look a little different in 2009-10. The Wildcats lose some key seniors. De’Athony Carter, Mac Ardoin and Kendrick Veney all brought something to the Wildcats.

“Those guys will be tough to replace,” Hamilton said. “They are key guys, but we have key guys coming back.”

Leading the way for the Wildcats will be senior big-man Keelon Lee and soon-to-be sophomore Tiremone Williams. The Pair will help pace the Wildcats, who will take a step...down. Abbeville will compete in Class 3A for at least the next couple of years. Right now Hamilton is not thinking much about next year.

“We are going to take about a week off,” Hamilton said. “Then we are going to get back to work.”

It was the same process Hamilton used last season. Things worked out this season, one Hamilton admitted he was not completely ready to give up.

“I hate to see it come to an end,” Hamilton said. “I am sad and happy at the same time.