Stipe and Lago each score 15 as Wildcats improve to 26-9, 11-4

BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

LAPLACE-You can make an argument that East St. John is the most talented team in the area.

Now, they are starting to play up to their talent.

Looking to hit the playoffs on a winning mark, the Wildcats defeated H.L. Bourgeois, 76-63 Friday night.

Ryan Stipe and Willie Lago led East St. John with 15 points apiece. Ryan Perrilloux and Ricardo Porter each chipped in with 13 and Cazaro Young had 10.

With the win, the Wildcats improve to 26-9 on the season and 11-4 in district 6-5A.

“My team just came into Friday night focused and ready to play,” East St. John Head Coach Charles Julian said. “We had a balanced scoring effort. I think we just played together as a team. I really think that we are playing a bit better.

“The other big thing is that the football is coming out of Ryan (Perrilloux). That helps us a lot. My team is just playing really focused right now and ready to play each night we lace it up.”

Never with his star forward for the entire season, Julian said having Perrilloux get back into basketball shape will do nothing but help his team’s chances in the post-season.

“Ryan’s getting a little quicker,” Julian said. “His ball-handling is getting a little sharper. He is making some shots that he was missing early in the season. That makes a difference.

“He’s got a different feel out there now. He’s passing the ball a whole lot better and that is what is making the difference.”

Julian said his team must continue their unselfish style of play if they are to be successful in the playoffs.

“We have to realize that we have to move forward as a team,” Julian said. “When we play together and not worry about our individual stats, we have a really good team.”