By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Last season, West St. John won the most games in the history of the girls basketball program. The Rams began what they are looking to be a successful encore performance this week as they got their season started this week at the Ellender tournament.

WSJ went 1-2 at the event, besting South Terrebonne, 59-16, and falling to Ehret, 45-31, and to defending Class 3A champion St. James, 45-40.

Against St. James Tuesday, the Rams trailed 27-16 at halftime. But West St. John put together a feverish third quarter rally to lead by one entering the fourth, outscoring the Wildcats 22-10 in the period.

“We went to a 3-2 zone after starting in the 2-3, and we had some success in the third,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith.

“We caused some turnovers and were able to climb back into it.”

But St. James held the Rams to just two fourth quarter points, reestablishing themselves for the win.

Maya Trench scored 12 to lead the Rams. Donasia Bell scored 10 and Jaylyn Gordon added nine.

In the team’s win against South Terrebonne, it started hot and never looked back. The Rams led 14-2 after a quarter and 29-6 at halftime.

Trench led all scorers with 24. Gordon chimed in with 18.

Smith said the success of Trench, a 5-foot-3 eighth grade guard, is not unexpected.

“We knew she’d be good,” said Smith. “She’s playing very well for an eighth grader. We like what she’s bringing to the team.”

Against Ehret, the Rams led 21-18 at halftime after outscoring the Patriots 16-7 in the second quarter. But Ehret turned things around in the second half, posting a 27-10 scoring margin.

Gordon and Trench each scored 13 for WSJ.

“I thought we played well in spurts, but we turned it over too many times,” said Smith. “More than usual, and it caused some problems.

Smith said he was pleased overall with his team’s performance. The Rams are young again, with two juniors, two sophomores, a freshman and an eighth grader in the rotation.

“We just want to get better each game,” said Smith. “We played two strong teams that have been in the playoffs. This was a good early test for us.”

West St. John returns to action Tuesday at home against Phoenix.