Conference Champions!

For the 21st time in our school's history, Jamestown College has earned the right to be called "Conference Champions."

On a night where our 7 seniors were honored prior to the game with their parents, there was certainly plenty of emotion flowing throughout the Jamestown Civic Center and the over 1,500 fans in attendance to watch our game against Black Hills State.

With only a 6 point lead at halftime (32-26), the 2nd half turned into an offensive showcase. We built a 14 point lead late, but Black Hills hit some contested shots to stay within striking distance. However, our seniors would not allow them to get any closer, and we converted some key free throws down the stretch. The final score favored the #18th ranked Jimmies, 87-77, as we put up 55 points in that 2nd half.

Both Jake Holen and Kyle Iverson dropped in 20 points, while Holen added 4 assists and Iverson grabbed 6 rebounds. Jordan Olson played an all-around solid game, as he brought in a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Three other seniors also added some much needed contributions: Ryan Thompson had 8 points and 8 assists, Jerald Richardson had 8 points and 4 rebounds, and Kellen Bubach had 7 points and 3 rebounds.

There were so many contributors to this victory, and not all of them will show up in the box score. We had a relentless effort defensively on the Black Hills's players, and we were allowing them no easy looks at the basket. Our starters and bench (including Andy Bachmeier, Evan Savageau and John Peabody) did a fantastic job defensively, as well as the guys who worked their tails off in practice this week simulating the efforts we saw in the games.

Though we've got the conference crown wrapped up, we have one final game remaining on the regular season schedule. We'll host #24 Valley City State on Wednesday night at 7:30pm. Our overal record has improved to 21-6, and we are 11-2 in the DAC.