By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD – The West St. John girls basketball team continued their hot start to the 2010 season Wednesday, sealing their third victory of the season behind an airtight defensive effort.

The Rams downed visiting Phoenix 42-15 to move to 3-1 this season behind 18 points from Jaylyn Gordon.

“We’ve been passing the ball a lot, being unselfish,” said Gordon, whose 18 points were a season high. “Everyone’s getting along and playing together and we’re off to a good start.”

JuJuan Nicholas scored seven and Jasmine Young added six for West St. John.

The game was never in doubt as WSJ scored the first 14 points of the night and didn’t allow a Phoenix point until 42 seconds were remaining in the first quarter.

“We did a good job boxing out and rebounding,” said Gordon. “We took advantage of our size to win on the boards and get stops.”

A Gordon 3 made it 7-0. Back-to-back Nicholas buckets pushed the lead to 11, and three Gordon free throws capped the 14-0 run to begin the game.

Lyric Turner finally got Phoenix on the board via back to back baskets, and a3-pointer by Areion Demolle cut the Rams’ lead to 18-9 late in the second quarter. Nicholas upped the lead back to 11 though as time expired in the first half, making a layup in transition.

West St. John slammed the door in the beginning of the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 8-1 behind Gordon and Young, who combined to score all eight.

Gordon scored her 18 points in essentially two quarters of work; West St. John coach Lester Smith played his second team for most of the second and fourth quarters. It was the standout guard’s first game in double figures this season.

“Her offense just kind of came,” said Smith, who had noted Gordon’s unselfishness in the Rams’ earlier games this season. “She still looks to pass it first, but she had some opportunities tonight and made the most of them. She’s been a big team player.”

Smith echoed Gordon’s sentiment about the team’s unselfishness. He also praised the defensive effort Wednesday.

“I’m very happy with that part of things,” he said. “(Phoenix) didn’t shoot that well tonight, and we were able to rebound and get out for some quick transition buckets.”