By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

East St. John’s recent troubles all seem to follow the same script, says Coach Yussef Jasmine. And it stems from failure to take care of the basketball.

Such was the case again on Thursday as the Wildcats fell to Covington 71-64 in the first round of the Shaw tournament.

Jamaan Kenner led the Wildcats (5-9) with 26 points. Kelth Cameron added 10.

The Teams were tied at halftime, 29-29, but Covington (3-8) opened up a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter. East St. John couldn’t answer to close the gap.

“Our guard play has to improve,” Jasmine said. “We’re turning the ball over too many times. And most of the time, the errors are unforced, after we break the pressure.”

Jasmine said that the interior play has been good, partially demonstrated by Cameron’s inside scoring in the game. 1

Ditto for Kenner, who has been a rock for the Wildcats all season on both ends of the floor.

“Jamaan carries the load for us,” said Jasmine. “Our interior guys have played well and Jamaan’s shooting it like we need him to. But we sometimes have a problem getting him the ball in position, and if we can do that, he’ll be even better.”

Things got no easier for East St. John on Saturday, as it faced a St. Augustine team that had won nine of its last 11 games. It added another, defeating the Wildcats 88-42 on the last day of the Shaw tourney.