By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS — East St. John made a little bit of school history Saturday night.

Led by Tre’Von Jasmine’s 18 points and six rebounds, the Wildcats captured the New Orleans CYO Tournament for the first time ever via a 52-44 victory over host Brother Martin, ESJ’s fourth victory in four days.

ESJ defeated De La Salle, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine en route to the tournament championship.

The team has been an annual tournament participant under ESJ coach Yussef Jasmine, but the team reached the final game for the first time and made the most of its opportunity once it got there.

It was also the first major tournament championship victory in the eight-year tenure of Yussef Jasmine.

“It just shows the progression of our program over the years,” Yussef Jasmine said.

“Two years ago, last year, we didn’t win. This season, we won it for the first time ever. It’s something that helps our players realize that this is what life’s about, continually progressing and making yourself better.”

Tre’Von Jasmine earned tournament MVP honors after averaging 23.3 points per game at the tourney.

Troy Green added 16 points for ESJ (6-2).

The Wildcats keyed their championship victory with defense. After taking a 27-26 lead into halftime, East St. John held Brother Martin to 17 second-half points, including seven in the fourth quarter.

“We aim to come out with a certain level of intensity early on, but at the same time, I remind our guys you can’t maintain that same level into the second half, because there’s more urgency on both sides,” Yussef Jasmine said.

“When you come out and have that kind of defensive success, like we did in the second half, the guys start to believe that they can do this consistently.”

Venjie Wallis scored 14 points to pace Brother Martin (3-2). Tre Swilling — son of former New Orleans Saints linebacker Pat Swilling — added 12.

In East St. John’s semifinal victory over St. Augustine, Tre’Von Jasmine scored 25 to lead the way. Green scored 15 and Arlandrian Martin scored 11.