By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

ST. GABRIEL – A 28-point explosion in the third quarter by East Iberville doomed West St. John’s playoff hopes Friday night as the No. 6 ranked team in Class 1A defeated the Rams, 59-36, in a District 8-1A game.

The teams were deadlocked at 19 at halftime before the Tigers outscored West St. John 28-10 in the third quarter, East Iberville (21-6, 8-4) scoring more than any other pair of quarters combined in the game.

“We just fell apart in the third,” said West St. John coach Antoine Edwards. “We missed a lot of layups, missed a lot of free throws, and our defensive pressure wasn’t where it needed to be. It was a poor second half and it led to our loss.

“They ran a good offensive set and that helped them build the lead in the third.”

Richard Johnson led the Tigers with 16 points. Gregory Pickett added 14.

For West St. John (9-18, 6-6), Austin Terry led the way with 14. Denzel Pierre and Jalen Adams each scored seven.

Edwards said that he wasn’t happy with how the season ended, given that the Rams have now missed the playoffs for three straight years. In a district boasting White Castle, East Iberville and Christian Life – all top six ranked teams in Class 1A – the Rams fell just on the outskirts of the top 32.

The Rams will bring back all but two players next season, though, and Edwards hopes that some close games against the likes of East Iberville (in the first matchup) and Christian Life can be built on next season.

“Hopefully everyone steps it up,” said Edwards.

“And we can get back to the playoffs and have a productive season behind these guys.”