by George Mahl Sports Editor

RESERVE – When a team goes into a game with a 24-0 record it can mean a couple of things. Either they have built up a record against soft competition or they are a special team. After Friday’s performance against Hahnville, the East St. John Lady Cats are a special team. Behind Kojo Hamilton’s 17 points, the Lady Cats ran their record to 25-0 (5-0 district) with a dominating 69-34 victory over Hahnville.

For most of the first period, the Lady Tigers were able to hang with East St. John. A jumper by Whitney Scott gave Hahnville a 9-7 lead with 1:45 left to play in the first quarter. However, that would be the last time the Lady Tigers would see a lead because the Lady Cats went on a 14-9 run to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the East St. John defense stepped up, allowing only eight points in the quarter. The Lady Cats outscored Hahnville 18-8 in the second quarter. At halftime, they held a 32-17 lead.

It was more of the same in the second half for the defending 6-5A champions.

ESJ started off the third quarter with a 6-0 run during the first two minutes of third period. The Lady Cats held a 38-17 lead with 6:29 left in the third quarter. In addition, Hahnville was held without a field goal until 5:23 left in the third quarter.

A 12-2 run by East St. John gave them their biggest lead of the game, 54-23. A three-point bomb by Nelson gave the Lady Cats a 53-23 lead with 54 seconds remaining in the period.

Another 3-point shot by Nelson gave the Lady Cats a 60-24 lead with 6:32 left to play. About the lone bright spot for Hahnville came with about four minutes left to play. An 8-0 sprint by Hahnville made the final score 69-34.

Marquita Hill scored six of the eight points during the run.

Top scorers included: Hamilton, 17 points and Robertson, 11 points. For Hahnville, Hill finished with 12 and Whitney Scott added five.