By Michael Kiral / L’Observateur / March 7, 1998

EDGARD – McCall rallied in the final minute to defeat West St. John, 63-58, in the state regional playoffs Tuesday night in Tallulah.

McCall, ranked seventh in the state with a 21-9 record, advanced to face St. Bernard in the quarterfinals Friday night. The 10th-ranked Ramscompleted their season at 18-8.

Adair Alexander gave West St. John a 58-56 lead with a 3-pointer with aminute remaining in the contest. After the Dragons tied the score withtwo free throws, the Rams turned the ball over on their ensuing possession. Donald Perry gave McCall the lead for good with a layup with17 seconds left.

West St. John had to foul in the final seconds and the Dragons sealed thevictory with three free throws down the stretch.

“In the last minute, we had some costly turnovers and it hurt us,” West St.

John coach Antoine Edwards said. “We had a chance to pull it out but weturned it over in the final minute-plus.”Elijah Jasmine led the Rams with 13 points. Brian Lumar tossed in 11points, while Adair Alexander and Donreil Louis contributed 10 points apiece.

Perry led all scorers with 20 points. Michael Claiborne added 19 points.West St. John took a 29-27 lead into halftime. McCall rallied, outscoringthe Rams 17-13 to take a 44-42 lead into the final quarter.

Despite the loss, Edwards said he was proud of the what the team accomplished this season.

“Overall, it was a pretty good season,” Edwards said. “Coming out offootball late, I thought we did a pretty good job.”The Rams lose seniors Alexander, Joseph Gross and Arthur Johnson next season. Returnees include Jasmine, Louis and Marlon Jackson, all threerecent all-district selections.

“I am looking forward to next season already,” Edwards said. “It isprobably going to be another good one next year if everything works out well.”

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