The Bishop Chatard boys basketball team was rolling.

The Trojans won 10 of their first 11 games of the 2006-07 season and claimed victories in their final five regular season contests heading into the sectional.

The team was poised for a run deep into the tournament, but it never materialized. The Trojans were shocked by Beech Grove in a 70-65 triple-overtime loss to open 3A's Sectional 26.

Chatard coach Chris Quinn said the residual emotions from the loss hung with the team throughout the offseason.

"I think it definitely has carried over," Quinn said. "I know a lot of guys have put in a lot of extra work over the summer and here in the fall. Some guys hit the weight room really hard to get faster and stronger. They want to achieve their ultimate goal."

That would be a state championship. Chatard won the state title in 2003 but has been bounced from the sectionals each of its past three seasons, despite posting winning records in the regular season.

The Trojans return four starters from last year's 15-7 team, led by 5-10 senior guard Jimmy Kennedy (10.4 points per game). Senior 6-4 forward Daryn Hightower (8.1 ppg) also returns with 6-0 junior Pat Kennedy (3.4 ppg, 3.7 assists per game), Jimmy's younger brother, and 6-5 junior Zach Martin (3.0 ppg, 3.5 rebounds per game).

Senior Billy Kennedy (8.3 ppg), twin brother to Jimmy, and senior Michael Zimmerman (5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) were key reserves last year. Seniors Kyle Dietrick and Dan Kleinschmidt and junior Evan Huxhold also return. Senior Zach Johnson, junior Matt Ruffing and sophomore Taylor Wayer are varsity newcomers.

"We have pretty high expectations," Quinn said. "Last year, I think hopefully woke some of these guys up that they need to come and play every game, especially when it comes tournament time. I think they'll be ready this year."

Chatard, which won its summer league championship, opens its season Dec. 4 at home against Scecina.