By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor

East St. John led a fourth quarter lead slip away on Friday night as East Ascension rode a 23-point fourth quarter to a 53-48 win in Reserve.

The Spartans (12-3, 2-0) trailed 35-30 entering the fourth quarter, but finally got its offense going after three quarters on inconsistent offensive play.

ESJ Coach Troy Giordano felt that his team let go of a golden opportunity.

“It was our own mistakes. We had a chance to beat that team,” said Giordano. “We missed five layups and five free throws in the fourth quarter alone. That’s 15 points in a game we lost by five. We had a chance to do some damage, and we didn’t take advantage.”

By winning the game, EA moves to 2-0 in District 6-5A – already the only undefeated team left.

Mechel’le Thomas scored 25 points to lead all scorers. Halle Lennix added seven.

The Wildcats’ shots weren’t on from the outside, as Thomas hit three of the team’s only four made 3-pointers in the game.

Defensively, East St. John (19-9, 1-1) shined for three quarters. But with its offense struggling, Giordano says, it was only a matter of time before the Spartans broke through.

“We did a good job on them for awhile,” he said. “We stuck in the game. But this was a team that just beat Destrehan by 24. They put points up and they can do it quick. You can’t hold those players down forever.”

The teams were tied at 22 at the half.

Three Spartans scored in double figures.

Giordano said that the loss was particularly damaging because it came at home – winning at East Ascension should be twice as difficult.

“I told my players after the game that we blew a big opportunity, a chance to maybe steal the district title,” said Giordano. “You have to win your home games in district if you want to be champion. But we let one get away.”