By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

HAMMOND — East St. John is a perfect 3-for-3 to begin its 2012 season, as the Ladycats swept their competition at the Hammond High Turkey Shootout.

The Wildcats defeated Bogalusa in overtime, 50-48; trounced host Hammond, 47-25; and bested Runnels, 39-21.

“Defensively, we were pretty tough,” said East St. John coach Jackson Manuel. “We forced a lot of turnovers and had different folks step up at key times.

“We’re still a ways off. This is a sophomore-loaded team with two seniors, so we’re not seasoned vets. But there were flashes. This team has the potential to do some things if everything comes together.”

Against Hammond, Brishane Haynes led the way with 23 points, nearly equaling the opposition’s total herself. Kennisha Brooks did strong work on the boards, pulling down 13 rebounds.

Defense led the way against Runnels, as the Wildcats allowed exactly four points in each of the first three quarters en route to a 26-12 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Nya Duhe led ESJ (3-0) with 12 points. Da’Rae Taylor added 10. Brooks again had a big rebounding night, pulling down 15 boards.

Individual statistics were not available for the Bogalusa game.

Duhe and Haynes are the team’s lone seniors, their early scoring output reflecting that status.

“Those two are leading the way for us. They’re acting like seniors,” said Manuel. “I’ve been pleased with that.”

Manuel said that Kariontae Victor was a big factor down the stretch in the win over Bogalusa, a two-point victory in which every key play was indeed needed.

“She really came up big both offensively and defensively. She hit some big free throws and big shots to help keep us right there,” he said.

Next week, East St. John will face L.B. Landry and then West Jefferson.

The latter in particular, Manuel said, will be a stern test.

“That’s a good team,” Manuel said. “It’ll be a really good indicator of where we are.

“Right now, we need to use the time to gel. If that happens before we get to district, we can possibly win it. This team will be pretty tough to overcome if it reaches it’s potential.”