Jimtown High School

Jimmies ready to take on long-time rival LaVille By Red Williams Freelance Sportswriter ELKHART – Sometimes high school basketball is like looking in a mirror. For the second time in this 2024-25 season, Jimtown’s Jimmies will tangle with LaVille, a long-time foe, in the opening game of Sectional 34 Tuesday night (3.4.25) on Jimtown’s home floor. Tip-off is scheduled for 6. Some would call the game a toss-up. Jimtown took out the Lancers, 50-34, in their regular-season contest back in Dec. “The boys are very focused and excited for the opportunity to compete in the state playoffs against a very strong LaVille team,” related Jimmy Coach Tyler Leighton. He said the scouting report on the Lancers is focused on Collin Czarnecki, a junior guard, who is averaging 25.5 points per game. “I’m not sure we can slow him down,” Leighton said. “He is really good, and their squad is so well-coached by Mike Edison. He’s about as good as it gets in Indiana high school basketball coaching.” Czarnecki had 17 points in the first round against the Jimmies, while Dylan Fey had 22 for Jimtown, Branden King tossed in 12 and Will Spurgeon had 11. One scary report late this season was LaVille’s 51-50 victory over a great South Bend Washington squad. “We think our size is an advantage,” Leighton said. King, at 6-foot-7, will be the biggest man on the court. He averages 17.3 points per game and 8.9 rebounds. Fey is 6-3 and other starters are Ed Potter (6-2), Javen Jackson (6-0) and Will Spurgeon (5-11). Fey has an 11.7 scoring average, and missed six games mid-season with a sore Achilles heel. Leighton said there are no serious injuries, tho several continue to ice and tape up the ankles. “There’s the usual soreness that comes with this time of the season,” Leighton reported. The second game Tuesday will feature Winamac against South Bend Career Academy with a 7:30 tip-off. Knox drew the bye in the top bracket, and Bremen was placed in the lower bracket. Semifinals will be Friday with the champion crowned Saturday.