By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Lutcher’s hot start on Monday led to a 42-point first half, propelling the Bulldogs to a 71-56 win over West St. John on Monday.

The Rams (0-3) trailed 42-19 at halftime.

Blake Comminie led the way for West St. John with 16 points. Raynard Thomas added 12. Jessie Silas scored seven and Terrance Nathan scored six.

West St. John coach Antoine Edwards is still trying to round his team into form and into basketball shape after a football-induced late start to the season.

“We’ve maybe had two days of practice since the (Class 1A Football) title game. Turnovers and our lack of conditioning caught up with us early against Lutcher.. It’ll take time, but we’ve been here before.”

West St. John found its offense late in the Lutcher game – the 25 points it scored in the fourth quarter was 13 more than it had in any other quarter – but by then Lutcher’s lead was near insurmountable.

On Wednesday, the Rams were set to take part in the Riverside Holiday Classic, but its scheduled opponent, Starkey Academy, had to withdraw. The Rams advanced to the semifinals by forfeit, where they were scheduled to play on Thursday.