Devils Lake Surge in Second Half Topples Jamestown Boys Basketball

Jamestown entered the second half with a one point lead, but Devils Lake flipped the game with a dominant 40 point half to secure a 70 to 48 victory in Jamestown on December 13. Max Palmer led the Firebirds with 28 points, including six three pointers, and Devils Lake got additional scoring from Bryar Exner with 15 and Mason Palmer with 11. The second half surge erased Jamestown's 31 to 30 halftime edge and left the home team searching for answers.

For Jamestown senior Abel Dolokelen the game produced a team high 17 points. Edison Walters contributed 10 points while Kale Verke and several role players provided scoring depth. Jamestown finished with 18 field goals and went 8 of 15 from the free throw line. Both teams were assessed 19 fouls.

Devils Lake shooting was efficient across the roster, with team totals of 25 made field goals and 11 of 20 from the free throw line. Three point scoring came primarily from Max Palmer with six, Exner with two, and Ben Brodina with one. Jamestown got perimeter scoring from Dolokelen, Walters, Verke and Hudson Rode each hitting a three. The final box score reflected balance for Devils Lake and an abbreviated second half for Jamestown.

The loss leaves Jamestown at 2 and 1 overall as the Blue Jays prepare to open conference play on Tuesday against Bismarck Century at Jerry Meyer Arena with a 7 30 p.m. tipoff. For local families and supporters, the result matters beyond standings. High school sports in Stutsman County are central to community life, offering young people structured physical activity, social connection and opportunities to build resilience. Games bring residents together and can influence school spirit and student engagement.

At the same time, outcomes like Saturday's underscore the competitive pressures facing small town programs as they balance travel, coaching resources and support services. Strengthening access to athletic training, injury prevention programs and mental health resources for student athletes remains an important community priority. As the conference season begins, Jamestown will aim to regroup on the court while community leaders and school officials watch for ways to sustain both competitive success and equitable support for all student athletes.