Jimtown High School

Volatile Jimmies squash SB Washington By Red Williams Freelance Sportswriter ELKHART - It may have been bitterly cold outside on Saturday night (1.24.26), but Jimtown’s Jimmies were hotter than Vesuvius as they dismantled visiting South Bend Washington, 83-62, in high school men’s basketball. Jimtown shot a sizzling 57 percent from the floor, and an even 50 percent from the three-point arc in reaching their best output of the season. The victory pushed the Jimmies to a 9-4 record, while the Panthers remain winless in 10 starts. This was a non-conference contest. “This was a game we needed to get back on track,” said Jimmy Head Coach Ryan Varga. “We knew Washington was going to be physical, and we would face some pressure, so we wanted to make sure we took care of the ball and hit the boards well. Those were two things we didn’t do well at Concord.” Four of Jimtown’s five starters scored in double figures, led by sophomore Zander Whitaker’s 27. “I thought that was a reflection of how well he practiced the rest of the week. It was good to see him get back in his groove.” Varga said. Whitaker cashed in on 10-of-13 from the field and an incredible 4-of-4 from long range. Will Spurgeon, one of two seniors on the team, was next with 19, including eight out of 10 at the free-throw line. Dom Fey followed with 17, and Jackson Woolwine tossed in a baker’s dozen. “We were able to get going from the outside early,” Varga explained, “which opened up their zone defense. This opened up the lane, and we were able to attack the middle with some hard close-outs.” He also spoke well of the defense for the Boys of Baugo: “We tightened up our defense in the second quarter to gain a 14-point lead and were able to expand on that in the second half.” He cited Woolwine for his defensive play against Washington’s top scorer, holding him to just six after the intermission. Michael Stuckey led the Panthers with 22 points, and Jaydon Lineberry added 14. The game was an emotional topsy-turvey for Varga. He was head coach most recently at Washington. “There’s always mixed emotions when you take on your old school,” he said. “Washington will always have a special place in my heart as it was home for 16 years. “So to see my old players on the court and some that graduated at the game and members of the Panther family, I was very moved.” The Jimmies will be back in action Tuesday night with a visit from neighbor Elkhart Christian Academy (6-8). Tip-off is at 6. Score by quarters: Washington 17 13 17 15 62 Jimtown 19 25 20 19 83 Officials: Danny Zuccerelli, Don Sills, Tyler Richards