Four players in double digits as East St. John rolls big

LAPLACE – There is a quiet optimism about the East St. John boys basketball team this year.

Coming off a rough season when the club finished 16-18 a year ago, head coach Charles Julian sees big things for his team this year.

“I know a lot of people might not think we will be that good this year, but we are real optimistic. I’ve got a hard working bunch of kids and I fully expect us to be in the hunt for playoffs this year,” he said.

If Tuesday’s season opening game was any indication, Julian certainly knows what he is talking about.

Taking on a veteran St. Amant team, East St. John blew by the visitors in a big 76-49 win.

Senior Ricardo Porter led a balanced scoring effort with 21 points, while senior Cazaro Young had 17, senior Ryan Stipe scored 15 and junior point guard Will Lego added 10.

“We have a lot of guys who have gained a lot of experience in the past few years and it is showing this year,” Julian remarked. “We play an up tempo game and we beat a very good team here.”

East St. John returns to action this week when they host their annual tournament, beginning on Monday.

Games begin at 4:30 as Higgins plays Dutchtown, then Kennedy plays Clark at 6 p.m., with East St. John taking on Douglas at 7:30.