By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD — After a pre-Christmas stretch of six games in 10 days, West St. John had nine days off to recharge its batteries heading into a road date at Lutcher Friday.

The Lady Rams took almost no time at all to shake the rust off, running out to a 27-11 lead after one quarter on their way to an 89-54 victory over the Bulldogs.

West St. John moved to 15-1 with the victory. It was the team’s 14th victory either on the road or at a neutral site this season — the Lady Rams have played just one home game.

Three Rams crossed the 20-point barrier. Jaylyn Gordon led all scorers with 26. Jujuan Nicholas scored 24, and Maya Trench complimented both with 20.

The trio of guards are the Rams’ three scoring leaders overall this season.

“It’s tough to stop us when all three are playing that well,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith. “We were making a lot of threes and that made them spread the defense out.”

WSJ surged to a 44-point first half. It pushed its 44-25 halftime lead out of the Bulldogs’ reach with another explosive offensive quarter, outscoring Lutcher 25-15 in the frame to bring a 69-40 lead into the fourth.

Smith said that he thought the time off did the Rams some good after the compressed pre-break schedule.

“We didn’t practice again until the day just before the game,” said Smith. “I felt like we needed it. (Starting forward) Donasia Bell was dealing with an ankle sprain, and that gave her a chance to heal up.”

Smith also praised the play of his younger players, particularly Mychelle Lumar and Jaquania Hunter, a freshman and an 8th grader respectively.

“We know we can turn to them when we have an injury or get into foul trouble and not worry about a huge drop off,” said Smith.

The Rams return to action this Friday when they host McDonogh No. 35 for just their second home game.

Smith said his players enjoyed the road heavy schedule, which gave them some trips to look forward to.

He also believes the road experience will benefit the team this postseason.

“If we have to go somewhere and play a playoff game on the road, I don’t think it’ll affect this group much, compared to the way that usually goes for most teams,” said Smith.