By David Folse II

Sports Editor

Fresh off a 2-1 showing at the Archbishop Chapelle Tournament, the East St. John Lady Wildcats (8-9) have all the momentum on their side when they open up district play Thursday night at home against South Lafourche.

“We’re starting to play together now,” head coach Troy Giordano said. “We’re starting to get healthy and get some of our better players back including a few starters. Once we get back to full strength I think that we will be a tough team to beat in district and I’m excited that we are starting district play.”

East St. John 53 Archbishop Chapelle 35: Behind Randy Donald’s 14 points and 12 points from Stasha Thomas, the Lady Wildcats beat the host squad Chapelle in the final game of the tournament for both squads.

A close game at the half, East St. John implemented a full-court pressure defense to start the third quarter. A surprised Chapelle squad was confused throughout the quarter and was outscored 20-7 in the third period to put the game out of reach. Vanessa Smith also had 11 points in the Lady Wildcat victory.

Cabrini 66 East St. John 49: Facing the defending 4A State Champs, the Lady Wildcats led 23-20 at the half. However, Cabrini used a 27-10 third quarter to take the lead and all but put the game out of reach. Gaynelle Brown led East St. John with 20 points and Donald had 15 points in the defeat.

East St. John 52 DeLaSalle 44: East St. John opened up the tournament with a solid win against DeLaSalle. Behind 18 points from Donald and a dominating 14-point performance from Brown, the Lady Wildcats dominated the game throughout.

“We had great play, especially inside,” Giordano said. “Gaynelle had a really special game. 14 points and had double-digit rebounds as well.”