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Coach Thad Sankey talks to his team during a game in 2021 | Photo via Jimmie Athletics

JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – Jimmie women’s basketball head coach Thad Sankey begins his fifth season at the helm of the Jamestown program this year after losing just one senior to graduation in 2022.

UJ kicks off the season on Thursday night at home against Mayville State with tipoff set for 5:00 PM. Jamestown returns everyone with the exception of Noelle Josephson and coach Sankey and the Jimmies expect the big freshman group from last year to take a big step forward this season.

With the large group of returners, most of this Jamestown roster knows what it is like to compete in the GPAC game in and game out. Part of being in the GPAC means long road trips which creates the opportunity for team bonding. During the offseason though, the Jimmies find different ways to bond as a unit and with the newcomers.

Having fun and finding ways to improve is what the offseason is all about. The Jimmies know how close they were to potentially making the national tournament and are focused on what opportunities they couldn’t capitalize on last year, trying to make improvements.

Hannah DeMars and Kia Tower are back for their senior seasons with the Jimmies. One of the faces that will be missed on the floor this year is Macy Savela, who is moving into a different role for UJ due to injury.

As for where the Jimmies can go in 2022-23, the ceiling is the limit. DeMars and Tower have added to their games this offseason and the large sophomore class has continued to improve throughout the summer.

Tipoff against Mayville State is slated for 5:00 PM on Thursday at Newman Arena. Coverage can be heard on Jamestown 1071/1400, online at newsdakota.com, or on the Jamestown 107.1 app.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH COACH SANKEY