By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

OBERLIN – A history making season came to an end for West St. John Monday night as the 11th seeded Lady Rams fell at No. 6 Oberlin, 66-52, in the regional round of the Class 1A state basketball playoffs.

It brings to an end a season in which West St. John won its first district championship and captured its first playoff win.

Oberlin point guard Marquita Boulden led all scorers with 21 points. Krystal Bell complemented her with 17 points.

In her final game as a Ram, senior center Kyla Morris led West St. John (18-9) with 19 points. Teammate Jaylyn Gordon added 15.

Behind a pressure defense and a hot home crowd, Oberlin charged out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter and maintained a nine-point lead at the half, 34-25.

“We knew they were going to come out and press us man to man,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith. “We knew they would. We turned it over a bunch of times.

“They play in a small gym, and they packed in a lot of people. With all the crowd noise and atmosphere, it may have helped to get us out of sync.”

West St. John regained its composure in the second half and fought to within three points.

“It was back and forth there. Both teams were able to capitalize on some mistakes by the other,” said Smith.

But Oberlin allowed the Rams to get no closer and pushed the lead back into double figures. West St. John trailed by nine entering the fourth quarter and couldn’t overcome the late deficit.

“It was hard to lose tonight,” said Smith. “The kids played hard. All we asked of them is that they give themselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter, and we were within striking distance.

“This year, we won more games than we ever have. Overall, it was a successful season.”