By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD — Jaylyn Gordon was all smiles, as was her family, as was her coach Thursday.

Just days before the senior star prepares to lead her West St. John Lady Rams into the most anticipated season in school history, Gordon made her eventual college destination official: she officially signed her letter of intent to accept a scholarship and play at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

“I never really felt it until I actually signed the letter,” said Gordon. “It feels great … the feeling that I’m actually going to college to play. It’s eye-opening.”

Gordon is the first player in the history of the Lady Rams basketball program to sign with a Division I school.

“It’s a great day. She’s one of the best we’ve ever had,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith.

“It’s just a great feeling to have the opportunity to coach someone like Jaylyn.

“I think she’ll do very well (at ULL). She has a chance to go and play early.”

Gordon had a number of offers, but the consensus thought was that her preference would be to stay close to home, with ULL and Tulane the top contenders.

But Gordon made her choice and committed to the Rajin Cajuns in August, then elected to cement the decision  before the start of the Rams’ season.

“(ULL) showed me the most love through this whole process,” she said.

“They didn’t put pressure on me. I kind of wanted to make it official and get it over with.”

Gordon is entering her fifth season as a starting guard at West St. John after beginning her run as an 8th grader. She made a splash that year, and Gordon’s accomplishments are numerous. She averaged 20.5 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals last season to lead the Rams to the Girls Top 28 basketball tournament for the first time ever; the Rams went on the road to knock out top-seeded Central Catholic before falling to Tensas in the state semifinals.

Gordon is a two-time L’Observateur St. John the Baptist Parish MVP and helped lead West St. John to its first-ever two district championships, its first playoff victory and most wins in a season.

“She’s so competitive. Jaylyn’s been playing against boys since she was little,” said Smith of his star.

Gordon said that after her playing days are through, she wants to become a coach.

“The coaches there make me feel like they’re parents at home,” said Gordon. “I want to be a coach, and I think that’s a great place to learn.”

West St. John opens its season Monday at the Ellender tournament.

Gordon believes it will be the start of something big — West St. John had no seniors last season and brings everyone back.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Gordon. “We’re going to get a ring.”

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