Australian O’Neill key to JC’s success

To read more on a feature article on senior Katie O'Neill, visit the Jamestown Sun at http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/102554/.

Jimmies beat Mines, #6 Black Hills State

Jamestown College had two strong performances this past weekend by beating SD Mines 85-68 on Friday night and followed that up with a win over #6 Black Hills State in a battle of two top 10 teams.

JC and SD Mines battled back and forth through the first 10 minutes of action before taking control with a late run in the half to take and 40-32 lead into halftime and then never looked back. Jamestown College continued to out score the Hardrockers 45-36 in the second half and pull away for the win. JC was solid on defense, especially in the second half as they held the Hardrockers to 37% from the field and forced Mines into 22 turnovers. JC also out rebounded Mines 43-34 including 14 offensive rebounds. The Jimmies were whistled for 28 fouls on the night which kept the pace much slower than we typically like.

JC was led in scoring by Giuli Varriano (Pictured)with 17 points, followed by Katie O'Neill with 13, Ali Edwards and Allison Epping (pictured) each with 10. Varriano led the Jimmies with 5 offensive rebounds and 7 total.

The Jimmies hit the court less than 24 hours later to face the #6 Yellowjackets from Spearfish, SD. In a battle of two top teams in the country, the game lived up to the hype. The game featured many lead changes and neither team led by more than 4 points. Black Hills went into halftime with a 29-27 led, but the Jimmies out scored BH in the second half 40-34 to win 67-63 in a game where both teams played extremely hard. JC was again led by Varriano with 19, Katie O'Neill with 18, and Allison Epping with 10.

The Jimmies travel to face rival Valley City State on Thursday. JC is currently 15-3 and 4-0 in the DAC.

#5 Jimmies prepare for DAC home opener

The Jamestown College women's basketball team is preparing to host South Dakota Mines and #6 Black Hills State this weekend. The Jimmies look to build on their early 2-0 DAC start after winning their opening conference games on the road at Dickinson State and Minot State. The Jimmies field one of the deepest teams in the DAC and are led by a group that has as much experience as any team in the country. JC has six seniors that have all been a part of the regular rotation for the past 2-3 seasons. The Jimmies have 3 players averaging double figures led by senior Giuli Varriano, 11.9 ppg, followed by senior Katie O'Neill at 11.5 ppg, and junior point guard Kellie Schuneman rounds out the scoring with 11.3ppg. Senior post Allison Epping is the fourth leading scorer for the Jimmies averaging 8.1 ppg, and she does this off the bench. Senior Amanda Rantapaa (pictured) averages 7.8 ppg and leads the Jimmies with 28 three pointers. Senior post player Cori Doubek also averages 7.8 ppg and senior Ali Edwards chips in 4.5 ppg. All of this together gives the Jimmies 76 ppg while only giving up 58 ppg.

Both SD Mines and Black Hills present many challenges to the Jimmies. SD Mines will bring one of the best post combinations in the conference in Bethany Holyoak and Jerika Ihnen to the Jamestown Civic Center on Friday. Both average double digit in points and also present problems with their rebounding and shot blocking.

On Saturday, #6 Black Hills State will look to continue their dominance over the Jimmies. The Jimmies have had very little success beating Black Hills State as of late, but they did claim a 68-62 home win over the Yellow Jackets last February. Black Hills State has beaten the Jimmies in the DAC Play-offs the past 3 seasons.

To read more on the up-coming games, follow this link: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/102156/

Varriano Named DAC Player of the Week

Senior Giuli Varriano, Fargo, ND, helped lead the #6 Jimmies to two victories on the road last weekend. Against #25, Giuli scored 19 points, shooting 8-10 from the field. She also grabbed 10 rebounds and added 3 steals. The Jimmies won 78-68. The following day, Giuli scored 13 points and almost reached double digits in rebounds with 9. She also had 2 assists and 1 steal. Giuli helped the Jimmies beat #13 Minot State, 70-54.

The Jimmies followed up their two impressive road wins with another road win on Wednesday night by beating Minnesota Morris, 79-45. The Jimmies had 3 players in double figures led by Kellie Schuneman with 14, Giuli Varriano with 13, and Amanda Rantapaa with 12, all coming from behind the arc. Katie O'Neill chipped in with 9 followed by Allison Epping with 8.

The Jimmies, currently 12-2, are off until they play St. Cloud State on December 21.

Jimmie roll on the road; Beat #25 Dickinson State and #13 Minot State

For the first time in many years, the Jimmies swept a weekend road trip to Dickinson State and Minot State. JC fought back from a 47-32 deficit with 17 minutes left on Friday and out scored the Bluehawks 46-21 to win going away, 78-68. Along the way, the Jimmies held Kia Herbel to no field goals for the first time in her career. Herbel finished with 6 points, all from the line.

JC was solid on both ends of the court down the stretch. JC forced 20 turnovers and held Dickinson to 23% from the field in the second half. JC also gathered in 11 offensive rebounds and added 11 steals. Giuli Varriano led the Jimmies with 19 points and Jimmie posts Cori Doubek and Allison Epping chipped in 12 and 11. Kellie Schuneman and Amanda Rantapaa (pictured) both added 11. Katie O'Neill (pictured) rounded it out with 8.

On day two, the Jimmies continued their hot shooting from the second half of Friday's night game by scoring 44 points at the half while shooting 45.5% from the field. JC had very balanced scoring in the first half and led 44-23 at the half. JC's defense was again very stellar as Minot was extremely cold in the half shooting 16%. Minot did make a few small runs at JC in the second half, but the Jimmies never let the lead go below 13 points. Katie O'Neill led the Jimmies with 17 points, followed by Kellie Schuneman with 14. Giuli Varriano added to her impressive weekend by adding 13 points and 9 rebounds. Allison Epping continued her strong play off the bench with 12 points.

For more on the games, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/tag/group/Sports/tag/jimmies/

Jimmies polish off Peru State, 92-60

Cori Doubek goes up to score against Peru defenders.

Jamestown College opened the game going 1 of 8 from the 3 point line, but finished hot by going 11-14 and finishing a sparkling 12-22 from beyond the arc. Junior transfer, Krista Shaikoski continued her hot shooting by going 5-8 and sophomore Nicole Ahlers came off the bench to shoot 3-3 from behind the line. Amanda Rantapaa and Kellie Schuneman each knocked two.

The Jimmies depth and speed eventually wore Peru State down as 14 Jimmies played and 11 scored. Senior Ali Edwards saw her first action of the season after joining team following a successful volleyball season. Ali hit both shots and a free throw to finish with 5 points.

JC was led in scoring by Shaikoski's 15 off the bench. Kellie Schuneman followed that up with 13 points and a team high 8 assists. Katie O'Neill and Giuli Varriano rounded out the scoring with 12 and 11.

The Jimmies are off until they travel to Iowa Wesleyan and William Penn next weekend. To read more about the Jimmies, go to: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/98968/

Jimmies take care of Presentation College

#6 ranked Jamestown College shook off a sluggish start to their match-up with Presenation, but put together a 24-7 run mid-way through the first half to over power Presenation, 84-46. JC used a balanced first half of scoring with 8 different players scoring to help build the lead. Katie O'Neill got things rolling by scoring 11 points in the first half and Krista Shaikoski (pictured) sparked the Jimmies off the bench by hitting 3 long three pointers to help build on the lead. Giuli Varriano (pictured) also contributed 9 first half points and ended with 14 for the game.

The Jimmies dressed and played 15 players with 12 of them scoring. Freshman Justene Engels had a career high of 8 points off the bench and freshman Amber Ramlo followed that up with a career high of 7 points. The Jimmies are next in action on Friday night verse Peru State, NE.

For more on the game, visit http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/98744/.

Jimmies split on the road

Jamestown College came home from its trip to Mitchell and Yankton, SD with a split. On Friday, the Jimmies played a near perfect first half while building a 47-25 halftime lead. DWU cut into the Jimmie lead throughout the second half, but the Jimmies had built a big enough cushion to hang for a 72-63 win. The Jimmies were almost perfect from the 3 point line going 7-8 in the first half and connecting on 14-16 from the free throw line. The Jimmies cooled off in the second half from the field, but stayed hot from the free throw line which led to the win. For the game, the Jimmies finished 23-29 from the line. JC was led in scoring and rebounding by Cori Doubek as she recorded her first double double on the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Giuli Varriano (11), Amanda Rantapaa (10), and Kellie Schuneman (10) rounded out the scoring.

The following afternoon in a battle of the unbeatens, the Jimmies faced Mt. Marty College. JC jumped out to an early 7-2 lead, but Mt. Marty took control from that point and never turned back. Mt. Marty built their lead to 18 points early in the second half before the Jimmies began chipping away. JC got it as close as 5 points, 56-51 with about 7 minutes remaining, but could get no closer. JC was once again led in scoring by Cori Doubek as she tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds. Katie O'Neill chipped in 12 points. JC struggled from the field going 0-12 from the three point line and only 11-27 from the free throw line in the loss.

For more on the games, go to http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/tag/group/Sports/tag/jimmies/

Jamestown College turns back Dordt, IA

Jamestown College completed a weekend sweep by beating Dordt, IA 65-52 a day after knocking off Northwestern, IA. With the sweep, the Jimmies improved to 4-0 on the young season.
After a slow start and falling behind 7-2, the Jimmies outscored Dordt 26-7 over the next 8 minutes to take a 28-14 lead. But Dordt answered with their own run by out scoring the Jimmies 12-3 to cut the half time lead to 31-26. Jamestown College had trouble finding a consistent offensive rhythm and had a difficult time containing Dordt's Amber Soodsma who ended up scoring 21 points.
The Jimmies used a couple of scoring runs to take a double digit lead early in the second half and never looked back. JC was led in scoring by Amanda Rantapaa's 12 points, all coming from the 3 point line. Cori Doubek (pictured) and Katie O'Neill each chipped in with 10, and Giuli Varriano and Kellie Schuneman (pictured) added 9 each.
The Jimmies return to action with an exhibition at NDSU on Monday night and then head to the road for an important weekend of games at Dakota Wesleyan and Mt. Marty.

For more on the article, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/98024/

#6 Jimmies knock off #2 Northwestern University

#6 nationally ranked Jamestown College used a big second half to beat powerhouse Northwestern, IA, 80-63 on Friday night at the Jamestown Civic Center. JC used a balanced scoring attack and their defense forced 23 turnovers and limited the Red Raiders to a 33% percent field goal percentage in the second half.

Senior Katie O'Neill (Pictured) lead the scoring attack by scoring 18 points in the second half to finish with a game high of 23. Junior point guard Kellie Schuneman was also very instrumental in the win by scoring 14 points, including 8-9 from the free throw line. Kellie also added a game high 8 assists. Giuli Varriano finished in double figures with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 assists.

For more on the story, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/97948/

JC Women Ranked 6th in first NAIA Poll

The Jamestown College women's basketball team received 368 points, just 13 behind 5th ranked Shawnee State. The Jimmies return 6 seniors and 3 juniors and are looking to make a run at the DAC Championship and a return trip to Sioux City, IA for the NAIA National Tournament.
Jamestown College will face #2 ranked Northwestern, Iowa on November 6th for a top 10 showdown.
To see the complete rankings, go to : http://naia.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl-div2/spec-rel/102609aac.html

Jimmies Begin Season With Two Wins

Jamestown College opened the season with a 87-68 victory over Brandon University and followed that up with a 85-58 victory, also against Brandon. The Jimmies stand at 2-0 with the two early wins. With the large margins of victory, JC played 15 kids in game one and 14 in game two. Giuli Varriano led the charge with 18 points on Friday and 19 on Saturday. Katie O'Neill also chipped in with 18 on Friday and followed it up with 10 on Saturday. Cori Doubek (pictured) had two solid games after missing the entire 2008-09 season. Kellie Schuneman and Amanda Rantapaa were both solid in two games.

A number of reserves contributed also with Dakota Anderson (pictured) and Nicole
Ahlers leading the charge.

JC will travel to the University of North Dakota on Thursday for an exhibition game.

For more on the weekend games, go to: http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/96979/

New Look Jimmies Open Season Tonight

Coming off a trip to the NAIA National Tournament and 20 wins, the Jimmies are anxious to step on the floor tonight and open the 2009-10 season. Giuli Varriano, Cori Doubek, and Katie O'Neill make their return to the floor after missing part or the entire 2008-09 season. They will join veterans Amanda Rantapaa (pictured), Allison Epping, Ali Edwards, Kellie Schuneman, and Jackie Hust.

For more on the 2009-10 Jimmies, log into http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/96834/

Jimmies top pre-season DAC poll

The Jamestown College women's basketball team received 4 first place votes to top the DAC pre-season poll. JC finished the 2008-09 season third in the DAC, 20 wins, and a trip to the NAIA National Touranment. The Jimmie return a host of experience and look forward to building on last season's accomplishments. For more on the story, go to:
http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/96557/

Jimmies Prepare for 2009-10 Season Opener

The Jamestown College Women's Basketball team opens up Ocotber 23 & 24 versus Brandon University. Jamestown College returns a large portion of their 2008-09 squad that won 20 games and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. Six seniors will provide plenty of experience for Head Coach Mark Wiest. Leading the way is fifth-year senior shooting guard, Amanda Rantapaa (pictured above) . She will be joined in the back court by another senior shooting guard, Katie O'Neill (pictured right) who was on her way to a tremendous junior year before suffering a season ending injury shortly before Christmas. Rounding out the back court will be junior, Kellie Schuneman (pictured left), entering her third yeat as the Jimmies starting point guard. Senior Ali Edwards, who is currently enjoying a successful season with the Jimmie volleyball team will be joining her teammates after the volleyball season comes to a conclusion.

The front court returns as much experience as the back court. Fifth year senior, Giuli Varriano returns after missing the entire season last year with a season ending injury that she suffered in September. Joing her also will be senior, Cori Doubek who also missed last year with an injury. Allison Epping returns for her senior year after joining the Jimmies last year as a junior college transfer. Allie provided immediate depth last year for the Jimmies and she impressed all season.

With this nucleus along with junior, Jackie Hust, junior college transfer Krista Shaikowski, sophomores Dakota Anderson and Nicole Ahlers, the Jimmies return as much experience as anyone in the conference, or for that fact the country.

Head Coach Mark Wiest is also excited about his group of freshman who provide immediate depth, athleticism, and talent.