LaGrange ends Westlake’s undefeated run
Published 1:42 am Friday, December 15, 2023
SAM HOUSTON — Westlake made a furious late comeback, but LaGrange ended the Rams’ quest for perfection Thursday and won 44-42 at the Sam Houston tournament.
Westlake (11-1) lost for the first time this season, while LaGrange (8-4) won back-to-back games for the first time since starting the season 5-0.
With Westlake’s loss, the Lacassine boys are the last undefeated team left in Southwest Louisiana. The Cardinals (20-0) beat South Beauregard 81-53 to open the Midland tournament on Thursday.
After a close first half, LaGrange was able to get some distance from the Rams and led by 10 twice in the third quarter. Cierra Amos’ putback with 4:51 in the third put the Gators up 33-23, while R. Thomas drilled a three just over a minute later for a 36-26 lead.
Westlake went on a 7-0 run to close out the third quarter and pulled within three points, 36-33, on a pair of free throws by Gabby Guillory.
Tierre Bargeman’s steal turned into a layup for Guillory that tied it at 38-38 with 3:08 to play. The Ram turned two more steals into four points and a 42-38 lead with 1:45 left, but the Gators #3 hit a shot from beyond the arc for a 43-42 lead with 1:08 left.
Westlake forced a turnover with 14.5 seconds left, but Kylei Leblanc blocked a potential game-tying shot.
Gabby Guillory led Westlake with 22 points.
Katelyn Wilson scored 13 points for the Gators, and KLeblanc had 11 points and eight rebounds.