By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD — West St. John extended its winning streak to nine and its district record to a 9-1A leading 4-0 last week, capturing decisive wins over White Castle and St. John-Plaquemine.

West St. John is now 17-4 and once again in striking distance of establishing another school record for wins in a season. WSJ won 21 games a year ago, which stands as the current mark.

It is currently ranked fifth in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association poll.

“Our players are really responding this season to the higher expectations,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith. “They’re working like a team that wants to take the next step.”

The Rams defeated White Castle at home Friday night, 52-26, in a game West St. John essentially had tucked away before halftime. WSJ led 32-7 after two quarters and allowed the Bulldogs to score just 11 through three quarters.

Maya Trench and Jaylyn Gordon continued their respective strong seasons. Trench scored 22 to lead all scorers, while Gordon added 18.

Last Tuesday, the Rams went on the road and put on an offensive showcase, taking a 78-35 win over host St. John-Plaquemine in a playoff rematch from last season.

Gordon scored 32 points to lead the way for WSJ.

“When she’s on from the field, then you almost feel like it’s a sure shot whenever she lets it go,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith.

Trench scored 15, Jujuan Nicholas scored 13 and Donasia Bell scored 10 to further fuel the Rams.

West St. John led 41-22 at halftime. The Rams allowed just two fourth quarter points and its defensive pressure was very effective, WSJ coming away with 16 steals, and kept the momentum up three days later, finishing with 11 steals against White Castle.

West St. John will travel to face East Iberville Thursday night in a game Smith looks upon with caution: the two teams historically have split the season series with each team winning at home.

The Rams won the first matchup this season decisively, 81-44 in Edgard.

“It’s always a hard place to win,” said Smith. “In this second round, we’ll have to win games there, at White Castle … it’s always different on the road, just as we feel like anyone is going to have a real tough time winning against us at West St. John.”

West St. John was scheduled to face Ascension Catholic Tuesday night, after presstime.