By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. Charles overcame a halftime deficit to remain undefeated in District 9-3A play on Tuesday night with a 43-37 victory over rival Lutcher.

SCC’s Brooke Becker led all scorers with 25 points. Dominique DiCarlo and Jaymie Remondet each added five.

Essence Peterson led the Bulldogs with 13.

Lutcher took a 23-20 lead into halftime behind a strong defensive effort — the Bulldogs were able to force turnovers and get out in the open court for much of the night.

But in the second half, while the Bulldogs were able to force Comet mistakes, its offense dried up, only able to generate 14 second half points.

“You have to credit Lutcher. They came in to try and take Brooke out of the game,” said SCC coach Nolan Louque. “They’re very quick. But I think towards the end of the second quarter, our defensive intensity picked up.”

Louque said that the Comets adjusted to Lutcher’s early success by extending their defense, and taking away the 3-pointer.

“I think they played into it,” he said. “When you extend your D, it means players have to run back to their spots to recover. It makes you pick up your intensity.”

SCC led 33-31 early in the fourth quarter, and Becker extended the Comet advantage to 36-31 by making three foul shots.

Lutcher wasn’t finished, though, as Javonte Kelsey hit a 3-pointer at the other end to cut the lead to two with 5:16 left in the game.

From there, each team struggled from the field — there were no more made field goals until the contest’s final minute.

In response, the Comets generated their offense from the line. Becker drew fouls underneath the bucket, and three free throws from her put SCC ahead 39-34. With 1:11 left, Lutcher trailed 39-35, and SCC’s Rachael McNulty drew a foul. She made both free throws, and the six point lead was too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.

“I think we may have underestimated them at the beginning,” said Becker. “But we came back strong. Everybody stepped up, and that’s what matters.”

Louque said that the game may serve as a lesson learned for his team.

“I think it shows the girls that no matter what a team’s record is, anyone can beat you on any given day,” he said. “You have to come mentally prepared every single night.”