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/