Chamois had high hopes for a shot at the district title. Instead, the Pirates lost in the C1D9 opener to Jamestown last week to end the year at 14-13.

“This was a very disappointing end to our season after beating Jamestown two weeks ago by 23,” said Coach Jack Rigdon, his team losing 51-41. “Unfortunately, we weren’t playing our best basketball toward the end of the season and lost three straight games.”

Chamois appeared ready to go against the Eagles after a 7-0 lead. The Pirates amassed a 14-8 edge by the start of the second. However, Coach Rigdon credits Jamestown for responding and keeping the game close throughout.

“We didn’t do a very good job of getting out on their shooters, and they hit a lot of big shots,” he added. “I truly believe they wanted it more than we did, and they were a better team that night.”

Chamois hit 32% overall compared to 42.6% for Jamestown. The Pirates hit seven treys while the Eagles sank 10. Neither team had much time on the FT line.

By halftime, Chamois trailed 19-18, and the second half wasn’t good for the Pirates. They lost the third, 16-14, and the final period by a 16-9 count.

Of the four Pirates to score, three reached double figures.

Dawson Brandt led with 12 points to go with a rebound, four assists, and a steal, as Caleb Keilholz posted 11 points, seven boards, four assists, and a steal. Brayden Cotton put in 10 points with eight rebounds and a block, and Jaxon Wuelling rounded out scoring with eight points as he collected four rebounds and posted three assists and a steal.

Coach Rigdon praised seniors Brandt, Keilholz, and Bill Kirsch on what they did for the team and program over the last four years. “I also want to thank my players, school, and community for the support they showed me this year,” he said. “The one plus was this was the winningest team that Chamois has had in the last five years. It will be up to the guys coming back on how badly they want to respond for next season. The off-season starts now, and they have seven months to get themselves ready. Again, there was a lot of excitement this season, and I wish we were still playing, but that’s why the off-season is so crucial, depending on how badly you want to get better for the following year. I was very blessed to get to coach this group, and very thankful for this opportunity that Chamois gave me.”