by Austin Bainbridge

The JHS basketball team has their last home game of the season today, and players and coaches look forward to finishing the season right.

“I think a win tonight would really propel us into sectionals with the mindset of winning and really get us ready to go,” said sophomore Cornelius Weobong.

The players are confident in their ability to get a win against a struggling 7-15 Castle. 

“I am very confident in what we can do; everyone’s going to be hating on us, but we’ll show them what we can do and just execute our game plan,” said senior Elijah Cheeks.

This season has been a difficult one for Jeff, standing at 8-12, and the coaches are looking for answers.

 “It’s been really difficult to find our identity. I think that we’ve had certain games where we were comfortable with our personnel, but then I think that for the most part of the season, it’s been a huge hurdle for us,” said head coach Sherron Wilkerson.

The players also look for a connection with each other.

“I think a lot of our chemistry has just been playing together and getting everybody in early in the season against a lot of Indy teams, so we’re able to connect and grow playing those tougher opponents,” said Cheeks.

While the season hasn’t been up to Wilkerson’s expectations, he still sees a good run down the stretch. ` 

“It’s been a little bit difficult  because it seems like every time we take a step forward we take two steps back. Whether it’s an injury, somebody gets sick, whatever the case, it just seems like we haven’t been able to catch a break this year, like we’ve had in the previous years. But moving forward, the last game is moving into the sectional. We kind of feel like we have an opportunity. 
We have an opportunity to right the ship after all that we’ve learned through this year,” said Wilkerson.

With sectionals coming next Tuesday March 3, just four days away, this would be a great opportunity to prepare.

“This could be the final test before we open up for the tournament. And I think that people must keep in mind that we’re still going to finish as champions,” said Wilkerson.

The players also have to prepare before kicking off sectionals.

“The main thing is just getting your mind right. People usually think about your body but it’s all in your mind. Putting in enough work (that) I know I can trust myself when the time comes,” said Cheeks.

The Red Devils open sectional play against Floyd Central next Tuesday night. JHS defeated the Highlanders 49-48 in January.