‘RAM’PAGE!

Published 12:00 am Friday, January 18, 2008

WSJ knocks off No. 5 East Iberville behind fourth quarter surge

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

West St. John may have had a late start to its basketball season. But, now that the Rams are here, they’re certainly making some noise.

On Tuesday night, West St. John declared its intention to win the District 9-1A crown by toppling host East Iberville, 75-68.

The Tigers (15-8, 0-1) are ranked No. 5 in Class 1A, and have been considered perhaps the top contender to the 9-1A crown.

West St. John missed the first two weeks of its season due to the majority of its players powering the Rams run to the Class 1A championship game in football.

But after Tuesday night, the Rams may have secured the pole position in district play, taking an early lead in the standings.

The Rams (8-7, 1-0) trailed 51-49 entering the fourth quarter. But West St. John saved its best performance for the final period, outscoring East Iberville 26-17 to secure the win.

“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, as they’re a pretty good team,” said West St. John Coach Antoine Edwards. “Anytime you can win on the road against a good club like that, it’s something good for everyone.”

Blake Comminie led the Rams with 19 points, one of four Rams in double figures. Dray Joseph scored 15, Raynard Thomas added 14, and Alton Joseph tallied 13.

For the Tigers, Earl Warren scored a game-high 35 points.

(See RAMS, Page 11A)

All four of the Ram leading scorers hit key baskets down the stretch of the game.

Edwards said that the team’s balance is something that has been there all season.

“We don’t have any one star guy,” said Edwards. “Everyone goes out each and every night to help this club win.”

East Iberville was able to hit eight 3-pointers in the game, as West St. John elected to pick its poison defensively.

“We went to more zone in the second half,” said Edwards. “We gambled and gave them the outside shot. We like to play a lot of man and did in the first half, but we’re still finalizing our rotation. We don’t have the depth right now.”

The game was tied at 33 at halftime.

Edwards says that there is still work to be done.

“We’re still working on a lot of things,” said Edwards. “We aren’t where we should be, and we’re working to fix it.”