A slow start by both Westview and La Joya didn’t interfere with a good showing by both teams Tuesday in a pivotal West Valley, Southwest Region duel.

After the first quarter ended, Westview and La Joya then took off. In the end, a more composed and better shooting Westview team pulled ahead for a 82-75 win.

Westview’s D’maurian Williams also struggled early but found ways to get in a flow before taking over. The sophomore scored 38 points and handed out eight assists.

(Westview's D'maurian Williams)

“They (Westview) got down, but never acted like they were losing the game,” Westview coach Brendan McEvoy said. “They just have this belief that they are going to win every game they play. It’s refreshing to see that.”

La Joya’s quickness, athleticism, second chance opportunities and guard Quincy Smith’s 24 points allowed it to stay in the game but missing 15 3-pointers in the second half didn’t help.

But that wasn’t the only issue.

Said La Joya coach Roger Lefebvre, “We didn’t guard anyone.”

Especially Williams.

But give Williams his due. The 6-4, 190-pound guard picked the right moments in the second half to either score — 22 second half points, mostly off the dribble — or distribute.

Westview improved to a very quiet 16-1 overall.

“We don’t look at our record,” said Williams, who has already picked up five college offers. “But we do feel we can play with anybody.”

Williams is the focal point of Westview’s offense.

But when he’s double-teamed or struggling, forward Brenden Van Dyke, who scored 37 points in a game this year, and guard Josh Tafoya and forward Ezra Phillis, who combined for 22 points Tuesday, can also contribute.

A five-point loss to Pinnacle and win over visiting La Joya (9-4 overall, 1-1 region) are the only marquee matchups Westview has played in so far. On Tuesday, Westview led by just four points heading into the final quarter but took control early in the fourth quarter, grabbing a 67-55 lead with 5:18 remaining.

It was the biggest lead of the game up to that point.

Westview also made 10 of its 13 free throws in the final eight minutes, when emotions ran high at times between two of the better West Valley teams.

The two squads will meet again in two weeks, this time at La Joya.