EDGARD — The West St. John boys’ basketball team has a new coach this season who has big hopes for the Rams’ future.

Alton Joseph was hired this year as head coach, but he isn’t new to West St. John High School.

Joseph is a WSJ alumnus and was a star on the basketball team before graduating in 2009.

Joseph said he is looking forward to leading the Rams this year.

“We have a team full of seniors,” Joseph said. “We’ve returned almost everybody from last year.”

Joseph is looking toward a few of his best players making this season successful.

“Amir Oubre, Lamore Boudoin and Jemoine Green are some of the best guys I’ve got,” Joseph said.

“The are good, solid players. I know they are going to help us get far this season.

“I’ve known these guys for a while, even though this is my first year as head coach. I’ve been around them, seen what they can do.

“My goal for the season is to start off and get the team together and on the same page.

“I’m aiming for being able to compete in district and being able to come out first in district. I’m going to give West St. John another top team.”

The Rams’ first game isn’t until Dec. 9 and Joseph said the players haven’t started practicing.”

Last season, The Rams’ (8-12) made it to the second round in playoffs. Joseph said he is aiming to do better this season.

“I know we can win the whole thing if we just get on the same page,” Joseph said.

By Courtney Griggs