By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – After what East St. John Jackson Manuel called an “extremely disappointing loss” to Hahnville last Tuesday, the Wildcats rebounded Friday night to defeat St. Amant for the second time this season, 57-43 in District 6-5A action.

Bria Joseph led the Ladycats with 18 points. Kemyra Arvie scored 16 and Kanitra Lee added 12.

“It’s exactly the type of production we need,” said Manuel. “When our guards (Lee and Joseph” get going at the same time, things open up for everyone.”

The Gators led at halftime, 21-17, in large part due to a sluggish offensive start for the Wildcats. East St. John scored four points in the first quarter.

But in the second half, things changed in a hurry, with ESJ posting more points in each of the final two quarters than the entire first half – 19 in the third, 14 in the fourth.

“We got up off our butts and started to play,” said Manuel with a chuckle. “We were sleepwalking in the first half, especially in the first quarter. Too many missed layups, as has been a problem.”

In the second half, things improved substantially. And that half helped lift ESJ to a 4-4 district record and took at least some of the lingering sting out of its 53-37 loss to Hahnville.

“Anytime you get a win, it leaves a better taste in your mouth,” said Manuel.

Now, he said, his team could be in a position where to make the postseason, the Wildcats must run the table. Only the top two teams from District 6-5A are guaranteed a playoff berth, and ESJ sits third behind Hahnville (7-0) and Dutchtown (6-1). Defeating East Ascension and Destrehan in the final district games of the season is a must – the East Ascension game was scheduled to be played Tuesday night at East Ascension, and the finale against Destrehan is scheduled for Friday night at ESJ.