By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor

North Iberville weathered a fast start by West St. John to pick up a district win Tuesday night, topping the Rams 54-49 in Edgard.

It was the District 9-1A opener for both teams.

West St. John (6-4, 0-1) pulled out to a 19-8 lead after a quarter, but the Bears (11-6, 1-0) whittled that lead down before outscoring the Rams 19-9 in the fourth to capture the lead and the win.

“We had a few missed opportunities. We were also hurt by foul trouble,” said West St. John Coach Lester Smith. “The past three of four game, we’ve been a little too aggressive.”

To get back into the game, North Iberville pounded the ball inside to center Shannon West, the team’s returning All-District center. West finished with 28 points, leading all scorers.

“They got it inside to her, and we kept putting her on the line,” said Smith.

Shantell Pablo led WSJ with 18 points. Jailyn Gordon added 11. Ambria Major chipped in nine.

It was a frustrating loss for WSJ, not only because it led throughout, but because it bounces the Rams to 0-1 in district play after a strong non-district showing.

“They were definitely a little disappointed,” Smith said. “But the key to winning any game is taking care of the ball. We continue to turn it over and commit fouls.”