BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

LAFAYETTE-The magical run for the fans of the West St. John athletic program continues.

Their football team is the two-time defending state champion and now their boys basketball squad has a chance to win the Class 2A title Saturday night.

Thanks to a surprisingly easy 82-61 victory over McCall on Tuesday night, the Rams advanced to the state championship game to take on Jeanerette tonight at 5:30 in the Cajundome in Lafayette.

A balanced scoring effort that saw five players in double-figures, Juan Joseph led the Rams with 18 points. Dana Stipe had 16 points. Tyren Johnson also had a solid night with 14 points and Denarold Anderson and Dehaven Butler each had 10 points.

A close game in the first half, the Rams used a dominating second half effort in which they outscored McCall 53-35 to come away with the victory.

“I know we are playing are a state championship, but I guess it is going to hit everybody on Saturday night when the time approaches,” West St. John Head Coach Antoine Edwards said.

“In the game against McCall, once again our defense really stepped up. Without a doubt we are scoring when we have to. McCall made their run, but it didn’t really affect us because we maintained our composure and stepped up when we had to.”

Edwards said he continues to be amazed with his team’s unselfishness, evident by their five players in double figures.

“Without a doubt it is amazing,” Edwards said. “Like I have been saying throughout the season there are no stars on this team. Everyone is just pitching in.”

After winning their second consecutive state championship in football, Edwards said he is excited that his school has the chance to pull off the rare double in basketball.

“We have great athletes at West St. John,” Edwards said. “If we can pull the rabbit out of the hat again it would definitely be a big accomplishment.

“We are looking forward to it and we hope that once again we can play well, do the right things and hopefully bring the championship home to Edgard and to our fans that have supported us throughout the season in football and this basketball season.”