By Ryan Arena

L’Observateur

EDGARD — West St. John took the floor as the top seed in Class 1A Monday and performed every bit the part, turning back visiting Houma Christian 86-19 in a bi-district playoff contest.

Ten different Rams scored in double figures, led by Jaylyn Gordon’s 17 points. Donasia Bell scored 16, Jujuan Nicholas 13, Maya Trench 10 and Sydnei Young and Harley Morris each nine.

The Rams made short work of its opposition, outscoring Houma Christian 31-2 in the first quarter.

“I was happy with the energy we came out the gates with,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith. “Our defense is playing pretty well. We’re working on some stuff offensively, but overall we’re playing pretty well right now.

“The main thing for tonight was to jump out early. ‘ I said, ‘Don’t let them think they can play with you.’”

Houma Christian finished its season with a record of 9-10.

It sets up a third contest between the Rams and district foe White Castle, which topped Opelousas Catholic in the opening round Monday. The two teams are slated to face off on Thursday night at West St. John.

White Castle finished in third place in District 9-1A behind district champion West St. John and East Iberville.

The Rams (28-1) won both games, taking a 58-41 win on the road and then a 63-56 victory at home.

“They’re coming in knowing that they can play with us. They gave us a game in our gym,” said Smith. “On the flip side, we don’t feel like we played our best game last time.”

Smith said that a number of missed layups and a lackadaisical effort in terms of transition defense contributed to a halftime deficit in the second White Castle game; that was one of only three games West St. John has trailed in at the half all season long.

“We made a few mistakes and they grabbed the momentum,” said Smith. “We know we need our A-game. It should be a good one.”