Update: JHS defeated Center Grove 75-45 in William S. Johnson Arena.

by Austin Bainbridge

The JHS boys’ basketball team is starting to find traction on the slippery slopes of Indiana high school basketball, but the team has seen that the competition is tough and that it’s the new normal.

“Our biggest struggle has been getting adjusted to the fact that every team we play is giving us their best shot. Every opponent we play treats it like their state championship game. Their guys get really excited and prepared to play us,” said head boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson

The team is 1-2 on the road, and the players and coaching staff do not take that lightly.

“I think our record on the road is a very big deal; we put a lot of focus on it – that’s why we try to make our schedule as tough as possible. That’s also because every tournament game isn’t always at home, so you have to get used to playing on the road to win in the tournament,” said Wilkerson.

If the team wants to compete for a state championship they will need to win some pivotal rivalry and conference games 

“I think our record on the road is a very big deal; we put a lot of focus on it – that’s why we try to make our schedule as tough as possible. That’s also because every tournament game isn’t always at home, so you have to get used to playing on the road to win in the tournament.”

Boys’ Basketball Coach Sherron Wilkerson

The team started out strong, edging out a win against Cathedral, but has lost some important games, which leaves their record standing at 8-5, which is not what people expected.

“I did not expect to have the record we have right now; we are from my own personal expectation, a little bit behind. That is because we haven’t made the adjustment to everybody giving us their best shot,” said Wilkerson.

The team has performed well in games, but players are always searching to critique and improve their own and their teammates’ skills.

“Our base problem is not bringing enough energy and hustle; we are too complacent,” said freshman guard Cornelius Weobong.

Even though the team isn’t where they expected to be right now, the return of senior Tre Singleton from injury has provided some good news. He has played a key role on the team in the past and with him back, they will most likely play better.

“Tre’s been playing on restricted minutes until he’s comfortable playing a full game, which we anticipate is right around the corner,” said Wilkerson.

Fans have rallied behind the Red Devils through the obstacles. 

“The team has played very well, especially considering injuries and that they play tough competition,” said English teacher David Kummer.

The Red Devils ride a two-game game winning streak into this Friday’s matchup with Center Grove, including a 92-54 win over Floyd Central and a 41-29 win over Providence last weekend. The players and coaches are trying to find ways to replicate recent success for upcoming games.

“I have seen us excel in understanding what our roles are better; that is the one area where you never can be good enough. Everybody understands what is expected of them on a day-to-day basis. I’ve seen a lot of teams struggle with that,” said Wilkerson.

Players have made adjustments and improvements over the season. The coaching staff especially focuses on the growth of younger players to prepare them for varsity competition.

“I have definitely seen a lot of growth from our younger players, especially some sophomores who have improved a tremendous amount from last season up until now,”  said Wilkerson.

The team will host Jennings County on Feb. 15 in a game where JHS will honor the legacy of Taylor High School, the former African-American school in Jeffersonville. The Red Devils will wear purple and gold jerseys, the colors of Taylor High School, during the game as part of the ceremony.

“I think the Taylor game is very important. It commemorates a point of time in this community that was extremely important to people. I think that from a historical perspective it’s very important that our students and student-athletes understand some of the things that our community has faced,” said Wilkerson.

This Friday’s non-conference game against the 8-5 Center Grove Trojans is at 7:30 p.m. Homecoming festivities are at halftime.