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(NewsDakota.com)- Jamestown opened up the WDA tournament battling the Minot Magicians this afternoon at the Bismarck Civc Center. The Blue Jays gave the fourth-seed Magi everything they could handle, before dropping a 63-59 decision.

The game opened the Jamestown girls scoring the first six points before Minot’s Holly Johnson found her grove to pull the Magicians out of the early hole.

Johnson would finish with a game-high 23, 15 of which came in the opening-half. The Blue Jays didn’t make it easy for the NDSU-recruit, chasing her all over the floor.

In the first 22 minutes of the game their were 19 lead changes before the Magicians took the lead for good with 14:06 to play.

They were able to build their lead to seven on a couple occasions. The Jays trailed four with one minute to play and Minot with the basketball. 

McKayla Orr got a tip on a pass that lead to a steal. On the other end, Kayle Thoele finished and drew a foul. She made the free throw to pull Jamestown within a point.

Minot hit a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 60-57. Jamestown had two chances late in a one possession game, but turned it over both times. Following the second turnover, the Magicians were able to avoid being fouled and converted an and-one.

Julie Fuchs added two free throws right before the final buzzer, but it was already decided.

The Blue Jays will take on Dickinson tomorrow at 4:30pm in the consolation round. Jamestown needs to win its next two games to make it to the state tournament.