Girls Basketball: West Side stays undefeated against Jeff

Updated: December 10, 2011 12:00AM

LAFAYETTE — West Side showed it has plenty of talent on Friday against Lafayette Jeff, but there were also moments where it was evident the Cougars start four freshman.

In the end, West Side’s talent was more prevalent than its inexperience in a 50-40 win, snapping a three-game losing streak against the Class 4A Bronchos.

“It’s a stepping stone,” West Side coach Rodney Fisher said. “This is the start of something that could be pretty special this year, next year and down the road. This is our first real game of the year. For them to respond as well as they did, I was pretty pleased.”

Mariah Hopkins led the Cougars (4-0) with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Lexus Fox provided 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

After the win, Cougars players and coaches gathered at mid-court to say a few words, ending with a chant and everyone jumping up and down — even Fisher — in celebration.

“We’re young and inexperienced,” Hopkins said. “To come here, come down south, and win is a good thing. We wanted to see what we’ve got this year.”

West Side led 27-19 at halftime after ending on a 12-2 run. Cougars point guard Amari Ferguson was a catalyst in the run, consistently breaking Jeff’s pressure and finding open teammates. Ferguson finished with six points, five assists and four steals.

Jeff (2-6) chipped away at West Side’s lead in the third quarter by forcing eight turnovers and limiting the Cougars to five field goal attempts. West Side also made just 11 of 25 free throws, which allowed the Bronchos to stay within striking distance until an 8-0 Cougars’ run in the fourth quarter.

“It seems like when they don’t think as much and just play basketball, they’re pretty productive,” Fisher said.

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