Jimmies win opener at nationals, set school record for wins
The shots weren’t dropping for the Jimmies Wednesday morning, but with the way they played defense, it didn’t matter. Jamestown College dominated Union, Ky., 60-42 in the opening game of the national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, setting up a rematch with the preeminent team in NAIA Division II Friday morning — Northwestern, Iowa — although they wanted to take a little time to enjoy Wednesday’s win, and for good reason. The thorough beating of the Bulldogs (25-8) was the 27th victory for the Jimmies, setting a new school record for wins in a season. It was also just the second victory ever at nationals.
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The shots weren’t dropping for the Jimmies Wednesday morning, but with the way they played defense, it didn’t matter.
Jamestown College dominated Union, Ky., 60-42 in the opening game of the national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, setting up a rematch with the preeminent team in NAIA Division II Friday morning — Northwestern, Iowa — although they wanted to take a little time to enjoy Wednesday’s win, and for good reason. The thorough beating of the Bulldogs (25-8) was the 27th victory for the Jimmies, setting a new school record for wins in a season. It was also just the second victory ever at nationals.
“It’s nice to get that first win. Now we can kind of take a step back, relax and really focus in on our next game,” JC coach Greg Ulland said.
The Jimmies (27-4) were dominant for much of Wednesday morning’s tilt.
The early tip-off (8:30 a.m.) was a total non-factor. Even more surprisingly they completely shut down Union star Lindsey Waters, who was saddled with foul problems and scored just four points, 17 under her season average.
“To hold a team like that to 42 points and hold Waters to four points, that’s a great defensive effort,” Ulland said. “The girls did a great job defending (Waters). We knew she wanted to go to that right shoulder. Bridget (Schuneman), Megan (Pold) and Kayla (Roemmich) really defended her well.”
The Jimmies struggled offensively, making just 22 of their 64 shots, a percentage that will have to be better against the two-time defending national champion Red Raiders of Northwestern in another 8:30 start Friday morning. The Jimmies beat the Red Raiders at the Civic Center Nov. 5, 64-62.
“We could have had another 20 points easy, but we missed bunnies, missed some free throws, just weren’t really sharp on that end,” Ulland said. “We had some good looks, we just didn’t knock them down. Obviously, we’ll have to do a better job of that (Friday).”
The Jimmies pushed the lead to 10 for the first time at 21-11 on a bucket by Kellie Schuneman with seven minutes to go in the first half.
Union made one mini-run in the second half, getting within six (34-28), but it was short-lived as Kayla Roemmich scored two straight baskets, and then Hannah Steele converted a 3-point play and the lead was up to 13 (43-30).
Roemmich had 12 points off the bench in just 15 minutes to lead the Jimmies, showing no ill effects of a knee injury that forced her to miss most of the last month.
“Kayla had a great effort. She’s one of the X-factor type players that can come in and score points quick,” Ulland said. “You get to this time of year and you need girls like that to step up and she did.”
Bridget Schuneman had 11 points. Carly Jensen added eight, including the team’s only two three-pointers. Steele also had eight. Amber Ramlo yanked down a game-high 14 rebounds as the Jimmies dominated the glass (53-33).
“We did a lot of things well, some things we have to do better, but I think that will come,” Ulland said. “We get to keep playing, and this time of year that’s all you’re looking for.”
NAIA National Tournament
At Sioux City, Iowa
First round
Jamestown College 60, Union, Ky. 42
Union 21 21 — 42
Jamestown College 30 30 — 60
Union — Courtney Thomas 6, Lindsey Waters 4, Laura Perkins 9, Alyson Roberts 4, Kara Pile 3, Kathryn Clark 4, Brooke Hill 12. Totals: 13-46 FG, Three-pointers: 5-17 (Thomas 2, Perkins, Pile, Clark), 11-19 FT, 33 Rebounds (Waters 6), 21 Fouls (Waters 5), 7 Assists (Roberts 4), 18 Turnovers, 4 Blocked shots (Hill 3), 6 Steals (Pile 4).
Jamestown College — Amber Ramlo 3, Bridget Schuneman 11, Hannah Steele 8, Kellie Schuneman 4, Casey Geffre 5, Carly Jensen 8, Kadie Savage 2, Morgan Mathison 3, Kayla Roemmich 12, Megan Pold 4. Totals: 22-64 FG, Three-pointers: 2-13 (Jensen 2), 14-23 FT, 53 Rebounds (Ramlo 14), 18 Fouls, 6 Assists (K.Schuneman 4), 16 Turnovers, 9 Steals (Ramlo 2, K.Schuneman 2, Geffre 2, Pold 2).
Records: Jamestown College 27-4; Union 25-8.
Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com
Tags: sports, jimmies, basketball
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