Rising Stars: How Abel Dolokelen and Jamison Kleinjan Are Shaping Jamestown Basketball

The Heart of Jamestown Basketball

Jan. 24—JAMESTOWN — Basketball found its way into Abel Dolokelen's life when he was in middle school. Now, he can't imagine a world without it.

"The competitiveness of the sport really is what attracted me (and) my love for the game just began to grow," shared Dolokelen, a senior on the Jamestown High School boys basketball team. For him, basketball isn't merely a sport; it embodies his aspirations, fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to excel.

Dedication Through Consistency

The journey to varsity basketball hasn't been easy. Dolokelen began playing in seventh grade and joined the Blue Jay program in eighth. Since then, he set his sights on varsity:

"I have had plans to be on varsity since freshman year. To prepare, I just kept stacking days and staying consistent with my work."

Now, in his first season on the varsity roster, Dolokelen's hard work is paying off. He logs hours at the gym, emphasizing skill development alongside physical fitness:

• Refining his shooting consistency, both on and off the dribble.
• Focusing on ball handling and finishing techniques.
• Building strength in the weight room.

"There is nothing really special to my work; I just stay consistent with my practice and focus on the fundamentals, pushing myself to improve continually," he said.

The Grit Behind the Glory

Dolokelen's routine reflects a dedication that transcends the norm. Practices typically last around two hours, but his commitment doesn't end there. He often heads to Jamestown's Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) to shoot extra for another 90 minutes post-practice, repeating this on weekends.

Through this rigorous training regime, he has become instrumental to the Blue Jays this season, currently ranking second on the team with a remarkable shooting percentage of 52.1%.

Jamison Kleinjan: A Kindred Spirit

Joining Dolokelen in this journey is Jamison Kleinjan, a junior who began his basketball journey at seven. Like Dolokelen, Kleinjan's love for the game has remained steadfast over the years:

"My parents initially signed me up for it, and then through the years, I just fell in love with the sport. Watching college players at the University of Jamestown and even NBA games made me really want to be like them."

Kleinjan's first experience with the Blue Jay basketball program began as a sixth grader, and he has always been eager to prove himself on the hardwood:

• Despite not knowing what team he would be on, he committed to putting in the work.
• He dedicates an average of three hours a day to basketball, covering training and practice.

This focus has paid dividends. He recorded the most points scored by a Blue Jay during a recent game against Bismarck Legacy, showcasing his significant contribution to the team.

Contributions Beyond the Scoreboard

While stats tell a story, both Dolokelen and Kleinjan emphasize their defensive capabilities and team morale. Kleinjan noted:

"I believe my defense and athleticism are the best assets I can bring to the team."

Dolokelen expertly stated,

"I'm an asset because I can make plays for myself and teammates, contributing in ways that go beyond the numbers. I focus on making winning plays that you don't see in the box score."

Facing Challenges Head-On

The Blue Jays faced a rocky start to their conference season, but both players remain positive about their prospects:

"I'm aware that our start may not be ideal, but I still believe in my team. I think we still have a chance to be really special this year," Dolokelen affirmed.

This spirit of resilience reflects their commitment—not just to the game of basketball, but to one another. As Dolokelen and Kleinjan carve out their paths, they represent the heart and soul of Jamestown basketball, symbolizing both effort and aspiration in the face of adversity.