Jamestown girls stun Century 59-56; Century boys rout Jamestown 88-53

Jamestown freshman Macey Neumiller scored 23 points and sank a decisive free throw with 10.2 seconds left to lift the Blue Jays to a 59-56 upset of Bismarck Century at Olson Gym. The victory ended a 13-year drought against the Patriots and gives Jamestown a timely boost heading into the second half of conference play.

Jamestown trailed 10-2 early before rallying to a 34-21 halftime lead, keyed by Neumiller’s two first-half 3-pointers and 11 points at the break. Century narrowed the margin to 46-44, but Jamestown answered with a six-point spurt - two baskets from Neumiller surrounding two Hannah Attleson free throws - and led 52-44 with just over three minutes to play. Century mounted a furious charge, scoring seven straight points in under 40 seconds to get within three, but Neumiller’s final free throw sealed the Blue Jays’ first win over Century since Feb. 19, 2013.

Jamestown’s box score was balanced behind Neumiller: Milan Martin 9, Hannah Attleson 7, Claire Marker 6, Lucy Falk 6, Adisyn Yunck 5 and Mea Ulland 3. The Blue Jays made 20 field goals, went 13-for-19 at the foul line, were whistled for 12 team fouls and grabbed 21 rebounds, including 18 on the defensive glass. Jamestown’s 3-point makes came from Neumiller (2), Martin (1), Attleson (1), Yunck (1) and Ulland (1). For Century, Kaylie Welstad scored 13 and Lakyn Johnson added 11, with both sinking two 3-pointers.

Jamestown coach Andy Skunberg praised the performance and the lift it provides. “It was a great team win both on the O(ffensive) and D(efensive) side,” he said. “The girls played hard for 36 minutes.” Skunberg added, “This will be a good confidence booster moving forward,” and emphasized the need to “build on this as a team since we are into the second half of our season.”

The girls’ result moved Jamestown to 6-6 overall and 4-5 in WDA play, while Century fell to 9-3 overall. The upset also snapped a 28-game winning streak Century had over Jamestown in the girls series.

The night was bittersweet for Jamestown fans as Century’s boys remained unbeaten, cruising to an 88-53 win. Garrett Nisley poured in 28 points and Gibson Kinnebrew added 22 as the Patriots ripped off a 19-point run after Jamestown had led 11-6 early, taking a 47-21 halftime advantage. Jamestown’s Eric Van Berkom scored 14, Jamison Kleinjan 12 and Edison Walters 8. Century’s boys improved to 13-0, 9-0 WDA; Jamestown’s boys dropped to 3-9, 1-8 WDA.

Jamestown returns home Friday to host second-ranked Mandan in a WDA doubleheader at Jerry Meyer Arena, with the girls’ game slated for 5:45 p.m. Coverage on the Jamestown 107.1 Sports YouTube channel is set to begin around 5:30 p.m. The upset over Century gives the Blue Jays momentum and a confidence lift as Stutsman County fans look ahead to a key stretch in the conference race.