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West St. John Middle School faced R.K. Smith earlier in the season, resulting in a 29-24 loss.

During the game there were several missed free throws and layups.

“I informed my team we must continue to capitalize on the little things which we worked on in practice,” Coach Courtney Evans said.

“After the game I was able to watch film on the game, which gave me a better insight on how to counter their offensive and defensive schemes for the next match up late in the season.”

On Feb. 8, West St. John faced R. K. Smith a second time with guards J’Kyrin Morris and Colby Evans using their skills and size efficiently.

Colby was outstanding, finishing with a season-high 20 points. Colby was able to attack the R. K. Smith defenders from various areas of the floor, which made it difficult for their guards.

He hit some key threes at crucial times in the game when R.K. seemed to be gaining momentum.

J’Kyrin is getting more comfortable at point guard by using his size on smaller guards and his speed on bigger guards.

Being able to move Colby around various positions on the floor has given the team more options that help with rebounding.

The muscle of the team has always been defense first.

De’Avonii Bartholomew is the “Patrick Beverly” of the team. De’Avonii is a lockdown defender and can rebound with the best of them.

“Having a player like him is a coach’s dream, because he is willing to do the little things for the team,” Evans said. “I am super proud of how the team competes each week, but like I informed them, to keep winning we must continue to practice, correct mistakes and play as a unit.”

As the NCAA coach Bobby Knight said “The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important”

The Rams took home the prize with a score of West St. John 31 and R.K. Smith 30.

The Rams season record is 26-10.

Colby Evans – 20 Points

J’Kyrin Morris – 6 Points

De’Avonii Bartholomew – 4 Points

Dashad Waxter – 1 Point

The next game is Feb. 28, when the Rams take on St. James Middle School at West St. John Middle School in Edgard.

Team B will play at 5 p.m. and Team A at 6 p.m.