Jamestown High teams show grit, mixed results in season openers
Jamestown High School split a local doubleheader on Friday, with the girls hockey team falling 3-2 to Mandan while both basketball programs opened their seasons with victories. The mixed results matter to local fans because strong goaltending and early offensive performances set the tone for Stutsman County teams as the regular season begins.
On Friday, Dec. 5, Jamestown High School’s girls hockey team dropped a 3-2 decision to Mandan, a result that left the Blue Jays with an 0-2-1 record early in the season. Mandan’s Afton Leingang scored all three goals for the visitors, registering a hat trick that decided a tight contest. Jamestown’s scoring came from Addy Gerhardt and Anna Lunde.
Jamestown sophomore goaltender Ady Bakalar turned in a standout individual performance, making 30 saves while allowing three goals. Those numbers imply Bakalar faced 33 shots and posted an approximately 90.9 percent save rate for the night, giving the Blue Jays a defensive platform despite the loss. The game summary included scoring broken down by period and basic team statistics, underscoring a close game in which a single hot scorer swung the final outcome.
The result will sharpen focus on Jamestown’s need for secondary scoring support. With one player accounting for all of Mandan’s offense, the lesson for the Blue Jays is that limiting opportunities for a single opponent and finishing chances of their own will be critical as the schedule deepens. The early record reflects a team still searching for consistency as coaches work through line combinations and special teams units.
In the same local doubleheader Jamestown’s basketball programs enjoyed brighter nights. The boys opened their season with a 70-66 win over Grand Forks Central, a four point margin that highlighted late game execution. The girls program also opened with a large margin victory, giving both squads momentum as they begin conference play and local rivalries.
For Stutsman County residents and supporters, the weekend offered a snapshot of early season form. Strong goaltending and competitive basketball performances are reasons for optimism, while the hockey loss is a reminder that timely scoring and defensive adjustments will matter as Jamestown chases mid season improvement. Teams will look to build on these performances in upcoming games as the winter sports calendar ramps up.
