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.

Jimmies Enjoy Their Time at Nationals

The Jamestown College women's basketball team enjoyed everything about their trip to Sioux City, IA. The attached pictures are from the NAIA Banquet, which had a Mardi Gras theme and prior to the line-up of the Parade of Champions.

Jimmies season comes to a close at Sioux City

Jamestown College ended it's season with a 64-54 loss to Huntington University in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Jimmies season ended with a record of 20 wins and 10 losses. JC could never quite get on track against a very determined Huntington team. Even though JC struggled to find its rhythm, they were always within striking distance, but could never quite get over the hump. Part of the problem was the Jimmies shooting percentage as they connected on a disappointing 27% for the game, including 4 of 25 from the three point line.

Even though the season ended prematurely, the Jimmies had many accomplishments throughout the season even though they were written off by many after injuries to three starters. The Jimmies won 20 games for the first time since 1999-2000 and made their first appearance in the National Tournament since 1999-2000. With the experience they gained throughout the season, a National Tournament birth, and all starters returning with the exception of First Team All-Conference performer, Heidi Fiechtner, the future looks very bright. The Jimmies know they can't sit back and relax as the DAC returns a very deep and experienced conference next season. Coach Wiest says, "There is a lot of work to be done this off-season if we expect to contend for our conference championship and make a return trip back to Nationals. We all want to build on this success, but it will require a lot of work, determination, and sacrifices. We definitely have the talent and experience, but we need to have a lot of drive and motivation to get the job done. As far as I'm concerned, none of us were happy with the way our season ended and we all feel we have goals not accomplished yet. Look for us to build on what we did and take another step forward."

On to Sioux City for JC

Amanda Rantapaa leads the Jimmies to Sioux City, IA.

The Jamestown College women's basketball team advances to NAIA National Tournament.

For more on the article, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=81469&section=sports

Two Jimmies Earn All-Conference

Freshman, Mara Paulson Senior Heidi Fiechtner

Jamestown College Women's Basketball Senior Heidi Fiechtner was named to the DAC All-Conference first team. Heidi was very instrumental in leading the Jimmies to 20 wins and a third place finish in the DAC. Heidi set career highs with a 13 ppg average along with 6.9 rpg. She currently has 338 points and 179 rebounds on the season. She also shot 56.7% from the field and 67.9% from the free throw line.

Freshman Mara Paulson was named the DAC's Freshman of the Year and she was also named to the DAC All-Conference second team. Mara led all DAC freshman with 12.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg. These numbers were only behind Heidi Fiechtner's season stats for the Jimmies. For the season, Mara scored 336 points and grabbed 169 rebounds. She shot 46.5% from the field, 39.1% from the 3 point line, and 72% from the free throw line.

#21 Jimmies Earn At-Large Bid, Move on to Sioux City

Jimmies return to Sioux City, IA for Nationals. In the background is the site of the 2009 National Tournament.

The Jamestown College Women's Basketball team had to wait patiently for the last 6 days, but it definitely paid off. The Jimmies received an at-large bid today to the NAIA 32 Team National Tournament at Sioux City, IA. The Jimmies now wait to hear what seed they are and who they will play, which will be released on Thursday.
The Jimmies currently 20-9, make their first trip to the National Tournament as a member of the DAC conference. This is the first time since 1999-2000 that the Jimmies move onto the National Tournament. This is also the first year since 1999-2000 that the Jimmies won 20 games.
The Jimmies have persevered all season, including 2 season ending injuries to 2008 All-Conference performers Giuli Varriano and Cori Doubek before the season started. Then, shortly before Christmas, the Jimmies lost starting guard, Katie O'Neill to a season ending injury. Credit to the girls, the Jimmies hung tough, different players stepped up, and they found ways to win.
The Jimmies are especially happy for Senior Heidi Fiechtner. Heidi, who was just named First Team All-Conference has been a major player all season for the Jimmies. Juniors Ali Edwards, Amanda Rantapaa, and Allison Epping have all provided highlights throughout season along with a number of other players.

#20 Jimmies drop hard fought game to #10 Black Hills

Kellie Schuneman

Jamestown College came just short of advancing to the DAC Championship by dropping a hard fought game to #10 Black Hills State, 55-48 in Spearfish, SD. JC led 30-26 at halftime after going on a 15-4 late in the first half. The Jimmies shot 44% in the first half and limited Black Hills to 35% from the field. The second half provided a lot of defense for both teams and limited offense, but yet the Jimmies led with just over 6 minutes remaining before Black Hills hit 3 three pointers to go on a 10-2 run and the Jimmies could not catch up from there.
Jamestown College now must wait until the final NAIA ranking comes out next Wednesday, March 4th to determine whether their season will continue at the National Tournament in Sioux City, IA.
For more on the game, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=81067&section=sports

JC verse Minot State

Kellie Schuneman drives past Sam Medcalf

Ali Edwards takes a hit from Holly Siverling

Jimmies Advance, Beat Minot State

Jamestown College won another typical battle with Minot State by beating the Beavers 66-56 in the DAC Quarterfinals and now advance to the Semi-finals against Black Hills State on Wednesday. In what proved to be a physical game on both sides, the Jimmies did enough from the field and free throw line, and tightened up its defense down the stretch to hang on.

The Jimmies had double digit leads in both halves, but Minot chipped away both times and had it down to two points with under two minutes remaining, before the Jimmies sealed the win at the free throw line. The Jimmies were lead by Senior, Heidi Fiechtner (pictured), who continued her strong season with 17 points and and 7 rebounds. Kellie Schuneman added 15, including going 5-5 from the free throw line. Freshman Mara Paulson added 12 including hitting 3 big baskets early in the second half. Amanda Rantapaa finished with another strong performance by adding 9 points and holding sharp shooter Whitney Lofteness to 0 points as she went 0-9 from the field.

For more on the game, go to: http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=80833&section=sports

Jimmies in action verse Black Hills State and SD Mines

Sophomore guard Mindy Clark

Freshman Post Mara Paulson

Guard Ali Edwards

Jimmies Knock of #5 Black Hills State and SD Mines

Junior guard Amanda Rantapaa

Jamestown College won their last two regular season games to finish the regular season at 19-8 and 9-5 in the DAC. They have also won 5 of their last 6 games as they head into post season play. On Wednesday, in an entertaining match-up, the Jimmies fell behind early to #5 Black Hills State and trailed 31-24 at half. The Jimmies began the second half on a 12-0 run behind Amanda Rantapaa's four 3 pointers (pictured). Amanda finished the game 4 of 6 from behind the stripe and 14 points. Mara Paulson also sparked the Jimmies with her inside/outside game. Mara was 3-3 from the 3 point line and led the Jimmies with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The lead would change hands throughout the second half, but the Jimmies finished off possessions on the defensive end and knocked down free throws, 17-24 for the game.
Senior Heidi Fiechtner also scored 15 points and added 9 rebounds and sophomore point guard Kellie Schuneman finished with 10 points, including 6-6 from the free throw line.

After a emotional win on Wednesday, the Jimmies returned to action against SD Mines on Thursday. The Jimmies played a solid first half and led 36-20 at halftime, but Mines turned the table in the second half and eventually cut the lead to 1 point. The Jimmies had trouble finishing off shots and scoring the second half, but fortunately went 16-22 from the foul line. JC was led in scoring by Kellie Schuneman with 18. Ali Edwards added 13 and Mara Paulson chipped in 10.

The Jimmies open play-off action on Sunday as the number 3 seed. They take on sixth seeded Minot State.

Jimmies In Action verse Bluehawks

Mindy Clark looking to pass out of the double team.

Ali Edwards blocks Kelsey Boedeker.