By RYAN ARENA

East St. John girls basketball coach Jackson Manuel said before the week began that Thursday night’s game with West Jefferson would provide a solid litmus test for where his team stands.

The undefeated Wildcats answered Manuel’s call, scoring a 56-47 road victory to hand the Buccaneers their first loss of the young season.

Jermani Thompson scored 23 points to lead East St. John (5-0). Da’Rae Taylor scored 16 and Nya Duhe scored 10. Kennisha Brooks grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Wildcats on the backboards.

“We got into a little foul trouble late,” said Manuel. “They made a little run at us. But Jermani Thompson came up big and made some really key shots. She took it over.

“She and Da’Rae really had it going, and that made it tough on them.”

East St. John pulled out to a solid lead at halftime by outscoring West Jefferson 19-12 in the second quarter; the Ladycats led 29-20 at the half, and extended that lead to 14 entering the final quarter.

Hailey Matthews led West Jefferson with 21 points.

The 23 points was a season-high for Thompson, continuing a trend of different Wildcats stepping up for big scoring nights. In the past, a key top scorer having a slow night might have doomed East St. John.

“A few nights back, Brishane Haynes scored 23. Against Landry, we had four players in double figures,” said Manuel. “If we keep going in this direction, we’re going to be very tough.”

Thompson’s versatility, Manuel said, was a big factor in Thursday being her night to shine.

“She may be one of the smallest kids on our team, but she’s a little pit bull,” said Manuel. “When our bigs get into foul trouble, she’ll go play down low. She holds her own. She does that, then has a solid night playing the point … She can do a lot of things for us.”