Jimtown High School

Jimmies excited for Sectional tournament By Red Williams Freelance Sportswriter ELKHART - An improving Jimtown High School girls basketball squad is hoping to make it to the next level. The Jimmies, who more than doubled last season’s victory total, will be facing Knox in the opening round of Sectional 34 at LaVille, Tuesday, Feb. 3. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 pm. South Bend Career Academy (4-10) are matched up against one of the sectional’s co-favorites Winamac (17-6) in the first contest at 6. “We’re excited about this opportunity,” related Shaunte Williams, head coach of the Gals of Baugo. “Sectional basketball is always tough, and we know we’ll have to play our best to advance. We’re looking forward to the challenge.” It’s been a long dry spell for Jimtown in Sectional play. The Jimmies haven't won a sectional game since 2011, and their last title was in 2007-08. Jimtown and Knox already met once this season In a Indiana Northern State Conference game (12.6.25), when the Redskins came out on top, 33-30. “We didn’t finish well at the free-throw line and had too many turnovers,” Williams recalls. “That made the difference. “Since then, we’ve really emphasized valuing the ball and taking care of the details,” she continued. “Defensively, we’ll make a few adjustments for this game, but our main focus is playing disciplined, fundamental basketball.” Williams reported, “Defense is part of our identity. Our numbers have improved from last season, but we still feel like there’s another level we can reach. “We’re not a high-scoring team, so our effort and discipline on the defensive end are especially important to us.” If Jimtown makes it past Knox, it will face the other co-favorite, Bremen, which drew a bye. The Lions are 20-2, but dropped their last game to Elkhart Christian Academy, 46-43, on Thursday. “I’m really proud of this group,” Williams remarked in an on-line interview. “We’re a young team, and we’ve grown a lot over the course of the season. We’ve battled through ups and down, but we’ve stayed connected and continue to improve. The progress they’ve made has been fun to watch.” The Jimmies appear to be in full health as the sectional approaches, Williams said. “We are focused on staying that way,” she said.