By ROBERT L. LEE

LAPLACE – Whether Grand Isle was out-manned, outplayed or just had a bad night doesn’t matter, what does is they lost to St. Charles Catholic Tuesday night, 58-33.

“We played better. We played all four quarters and really good in the third quarter,” explained Comets’ coach Philip Cavell.

He said the key to the home team’s win was how the Comets played at their level, not down on Grand Isle’s level.

“We had a good feeling we could do good,” added Cavell.

“We played our game. We didn’t let our guard down and play at their level, that’s what made me the most pleased.”

The Trojans kept the game close during the first half, with the only distinction coming on the score board with the Comets’ first quarter eight-point lead. The Comets outscored the Trojans again during the second quarter, albeit by one point, 11-10.

It was during the third quarter when the Comets made things happen. Coach Cavell insisted there was nothing forceful said in the locker room at halftime, merely his team improved on what they were already doing.

“There were no drastic changes, we just found a way to make it work,” he added. What the Comets made was a 19-point drive, while holding the Trojans back with only four points.

Cavell said the Comets’ defense worked to create scoring opportunities for the offense, which didn’t shot as well as usual from the outside.

When the Comets couldn’t make the ball fall through the net, they successfully caught the rebound for a second or third attempt.

From Cavell’s perspective, the Grand Isle team also wasn’t scoring their shots as usual.

“I don’t think we’re a powerhouse, but they were a little out-manned,” Cavell added.

As a result of the landslide third quarter, the Comets gained an opportunity to rotate among their players, helping the team build on its needed depth.

Cavell said giving everyone playing time also helps the team by providing more balance and showing all the players they practice for a reason, to play.

“Our usual two leading scorers weren’t that night,” said Cavell. He said his Comets look for the guys on their team who are having a good night and put the ball in their hands.

The Comets finished the fourth quarter with one more point than the Trojans, but added to their previous 48-24 lead, gave them their 10th win, 58-33.

Aaron Johnson ended the night with 13 points, Matt Boucvalt did his part with 11, while Jerry Gair and Michael Bowen rounded the top scorers, each making 9 points.