JAMESTOWN – There’s no doubting the dedication of Luke Anderson.  However, two demanding jobs proved to be too much.

Jamestown High School announced Wednesday that Anderson has resigned after one season in his second stint as JHS Boys Basketball Head Coach.  Anderson is also in his eighth year as the Principal of Gussner Elementary School.

Anderson stated that it was difficult for him to dedicate the time to be effective as principal and also to be dedicated and committed to being a head coach.

The Blue Jays began this past season 0-13 before stunning Mandan 84-83 at Jerry Meyer Arena on January 30.  Five days later, Jamestown followed that with a 73-55 home win over St. Mary’s.  Three more losses followed before home wins on February 21 over Williston and February 22 over Minot North assured Jamestown of a home West Region play-in game.  In that game on March 1 at the Jamestown Civic Center, the Blue Jays rallied from eight points down against St. Mary’s to force an overtime which Jamestown dominated in a 77-63 win.  Losses in the West Region tournament to eventual state champion Century and Mandan then ended the Blue Jays’ season at 5-19.

Anderson previously served as Jamestown’s head coach from 2014 to 2017, leading the 2017 Blue Jays to the program’s first state tournament appearance in 14 years.

In a press release, Jamestown High School Activities Director Jim Roaldson said, “Luke brought back a lot of experience to the position with an understanding of what it takes to be successful in the highly competitive WDA conference. We are  thankful for the job Coach Anderson did and his ability in redirecting the coaching staff and students while putting the program back on course for future success.”

Roaldson also said that a search for Anderson’s replacement will begin immediately.

photo credit: Jamestown Public Schools