End of the line: Homegrown talent Ramlo has thrived as a Blue Jay, Jimmie

Talk about it

For the last seven years, if there’s been a Blue Jay or Jimmie girls basketball team, there’s a good chance Amber Ramlo was involved in it.

After finishing her three-year varsity career at Jamestown High School, Ramlo bided her time at Jamestown College as a freshman, but has made a serious impact the past three years.

Ramlo’s playing career will end at the NAIA national tournament. She’s hoping that’s later than sooner, of course. The 12th-ranked and 26-5 Jimmies open against Menlo, Calif., on Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa.

“You go from high school to college and you don’t know what to expect, but it’s been a great ride,” she said. “I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”

Staying at home after high school was an easy decision, she said. It’s certainly paid off. The versatile 6-footer has done a lot of everything during her career as her stat line shows: 796 points, 710 rebounds, 95 steals and 93 blocked shots.

But the numbers do not tell the whole tail, said coach Greg Ulland.

“Statistically, she’s had a great career, but what she does goes way beyond stats. Her intangibles are off the charts,” Ulland said. “Her basketball IQ is the best of anybody on our team. She’s extremely competitive and all she cares about is winning.

“You don’t replace a player like that. She’s a special person and a very good basketball player.”

Having homegrown talent excel also is beneficial. Youngsters coming up see what can be accomplished and it cultivates additional interest in the team.

“Sure, I think that matters. All those young girls seeing Amber out there playing the way she does and having success, it’s great for our program and great for basketball in Jamestown,” Ulland said.

Ramlo said switching blue and white for orange and black was a slam dunk.

“I went to Jimmie games growing up. It’s always where I wanted to be — these were always my hometown colors,” she said. “It’s been pretty cool.”

Ramlo has closed her career with another steady season. She’s averaging 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds. Her most underrated ability could be her ability to stretch the defense and bring big defenders out with her. She’s made 21 3-pointers at a 42 percent clip. Her deep touch opens up the inside for Bridget Schuneman to work her magic inside.

“We seem to fit together pretty well, all the girls on the team,” Ramlo said. “Coach (Ulland) brings in so many good players it keeps you motivated and working hard because you know there’s always somebody else knocking on the door.”

Ramlo finished her high school career for the Blue Jays going 2-1 at the state tournament and finishing fifth. This final tournament is sudden death, which they are hoping to avoid.

“With our experience last year, winning a game, we know what to expect. I don’t think anything is going to surprise us,” Ramlo said. “We’re as ready as we’re ever going to be. We’re hoping to stay here for a while.”

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig

can be reached at (701)

952-8460 or by e-mail at dselvig@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jays, jimmies, basketball