At JHS a growing number of teenagers are turning to vaping, unaware of the hidden dangers that come with each puff. As e-cigarette use skyrockets, many people are concerned about the issue of students vaping.
Health professionals warn of the potential long and short-term consequences.
Registered nurse Julie Semones said there are a number of long- term effects to the unhealthy habit.
“It can affect, say, your brain function, cognition, brain and lung damage, and women can have reproductive issues.”
Semones also warns the long term effects on vaping
“For short term effects, it will cause coughing, sneezing, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and many different side effects that can happen.”
Teachers express the concerns about the impact vaping can have on their students. They want to better educate students regarding the issue of vaping.
Science teacher Megan Phelphs said, “Actually having a conversation about it, or doing a lesson on it” is one way teachers can educate their students.
Phelphs said enforcement in school to prevent vaping among students is important. “A good check-in with students or asking to see their purse or on their person with parent consent. Also, having posters all over the room is a very effective way.”
Some teachers prefer their students to be disciplined to learn from the mistake of vaping.
Algebra teacher Scott Lowe said, “I would immediately send them to ISAP but I will also report them directly via email to (freshman principal) Dr. Bernard-Bramblett. Then I would let her take over from there.”
Art by RavenMae Baker.
According to safety and security supervisor Brian Mitchell, there are even greater consequences for vaping that may involve the law.
“It depends. If it’s nicotine, it’s a school suspension and your parents will be notified. If it’s THC, a second offense right now is an arrest; a first offense they can give you an opportunity to go to a drug class and the paperwork will be submitted to the prosecutor and you possibly could still be charged.”
School Resource Officer Tyler Robinson said one way to prevent problems with vaping is to never start.
“For students to avoid it, don’t start and don’t feel peer pressured into doing it.”
Some students are against vaping and are worried the school is not addressing the issue.
Sophomore Shelby Ramge expressed her idea of how the school can improve the vaping issue.
“The school can improve with the vaping issue by monitoring kids who walk in and out of the bathroom and see which ones stay in there longer than the others, and keep track of the girls/boys who go in there repeatedly after every passing period.”
Freshman Wade Van Duyn expressed a different route of how the school can better improve the issue.
“I think we could improve the issue of vaping with better facilities for those who are struggling mentally and a less toxic environment.”
Greater Clark County Schools Board of School Trustees vice president Teresa Perkins said the school corporation must follow the law when enforcing guidelines to prevent vaping.
“We must follow the law if the vape contains controlled substances. Just like cigarettes, punishments can range from in-school suspensions to out-of-school suspensions. If they contain controlled substances, the police will intervene and the student could be arrested.”
We are often inspired by social media and the influencers that come with it, whether the topic is about new clothing or shoes that have come out, or anything involving a celebrity. This is where the majority of us get our information from.
One thing that I find to be very overlooked when it comes to emphasizing and piquing the young adults’ interest is anything involving body shaming and body positivity.
I find this to be very interesting and it’s one of the problems with this generation. Many men and women often feel pressured to measure up and match the strict and unrealistic social and cultural beauty ideals. I believe that this is because it’s not hard to catch the attention of the new adults and even older people that may acquire social media.
Everyone is beautiful and we need to learn to love ourselves for who we are and who we were made to be. We are all here for reasons that nobody else in this world will understand unless we make it known.
Social media is the place where we see others that we believe look better than us or that may have a better body than us. It’s truly very sad that this is a common problem and society makes us feel badly for speaking up about it. They make us feel like loving ourselves for who we are and who we were made to be is one of the worst things to be done, and it’s truly not.
Body shaming is something that I never really understood. “Nobody is better than any other, so why do they treat people that way?”, is a question that I asked myself growing up.
Getting into my teen years, I started to see how others were treated because of how different they were from other people’s standards. It was wrong for a girl to be taller than 5’3, wrong for a boy to be shorter than 6’0. The difference in reactions that were given when someone that was bigger wore a skirt compared to someone who may be slimmer wore it conflicted me.
Why did it have to be this way?
Many of us do not realize that some of the people that we look up to and who we want so badly to be like or look like are some of the same that look right back at us, wishing that they had what we have.
We are beautiful and we need to learn to love ourselves for who we are and who we were made to be. We are all here for reasons that nobody else in this world will understand unless we make it known.
To read an objective story on the impact of social media on teens, click on the link below:
Social media impacts many people, but severely influences teenagers due to their generous use of time on social media.
One of the most popular apps among teenagers is TikTok. The Pew Research Center states, “…94% of teens say they use social media, with 46% of all teens saying they use it almost constantly.”
Social media is one of the contributing factors to the increasing poor mental health of teenagers. Yale Medicine states, “Over the last decade, increasing evidence has identified the potential negative impact of social media on adolescents. According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms.”
French teacher Dana Schenk agreed, saying, “It can be a potent influence on their mental health because they do not have the tools to protect themselves when it comes to things that make them depressed or sad or unhappy with their lives. They do not know how to find resources in themselves to move on and not pay attention to all that.”
Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings said on September 2023, “Mental health can be affected by social media when there is no clear understanding of how it works. Although teens know that not everything on social media is real, they may still be influenced and experience negative emotions that create feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem.”
Teachers over the years have been seeing an increase in poor mental health in teenagers. But, poor mental health isn’t the only danger of social media. The influence of social media is alarming. Teenagers are being pushed to do all kinds of things, good or bad because they see someone online doing it or want to be like another person on social media.
Graphic by Lola Mays.
A very common social media influence we see in teenagers is body image. Teenagers are driven to want to have this “perfect” body because they see someone online have it.
English 12 teacher Emmaly Rose said, “Teenagers are influenced the most by body image standards, materialism, and social validation. Social media platforms often prioritize beauty, wealth, and social status, which creates unrealistic expectations of what is ‘normal.’ Teens may feel pressured to conform to certain trends or viral challenges.”
When students feel badly about themselves, studies show that students project it onto other students and pick on or even bully their peers to make themselves feel better.
“Social media is one of the main contributors that we see when students are being picked on. Social media makes it easy because people can hide behind it. Sometimes they don’t even know who the identity is, which means it’s really hard to monitor inside and outside of school, and it’s very hard to control,” said assistant principal Jennifer Gohmann.
Social media isn’t just a problem online. It also brings in problems inside the school. If students argue over social media they will bring those problems into the school.
Rose said, “These outside problems can create a hostile or stressful school environment, making it harder for students to focus on learning. It can create tension in school hallways, among peers, and even in the classroom.”
Misinformation is also a result of relying too much on social media rumors.
“Some things to be wary of is: becoming isolated and not learning in depth. A lot of times we don’t verify the information. Believe everything you see. And nobody questions it if you have too much information. How do you sort through all that to make sure it’s from a verified source? Make sure you’re not following somebody that is giving you dangerous ideas and promoting bad things,” Gohmann said.
Just because there are some bad influences on social media doesn’t mean they can’t be good ones too. Some common good social media influences are better communication, finding your voice, growing businesses, building communities, connecting with new friends, and many more.
“You have a lot of very interesting people posting stuff on social media because it’s a platform for everybody, so as long as you have that good part and good influence that you have that you follow things that can teach you something and make you a stronger person or more understanding person or that you learn something, then it could have a very good influence,” Schenk said.
Teenagers can protect themselves by distancing themselves at times from social media distractions.
Schenk said, “Set a timer, be economical with your time, be greedy with the quality of what you’re watching. Always think of ‘Did I learn something today?’”
To read senior Franki Jones’s opinion column on social media and body image, click on the link below:
JHS defeated the Brownstown Central Braves 61-43 last night, ending their 18-game winning streak and improving their record to 15-5.
The Red Devils face off with Evansville Reitz (14-3) tonight at 8 p.m. in Johnson Arena.
Click on the photographs in the gallery below for coverage of last night’s game, and check out thehyphennews.com next week for coverage of tonight’s game against Reitz.
All photos by Madison Pritchard.
Senior P.J. Douglas drives to the basket to score against Brownstown Central. JHS defeated the previously unbeaten Brownstown 61-43 and will face Evansville Reitz (14-3) tonight at 8 p.m. in Johnson Arena. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Senior P.J. Douglas waits to inbound the ball last night as the Red Devils lead Brownstown by 10. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Senior Michael Cooper shoots over Brownstown’s Aiden Schroer. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Senior Tre Singleton reaches for the pass in last night’s game against Brownstown. The Red Devils improved their record to 15-5 with the win over the Braves. Photo by Madison Pritchard. The halftime and timeout show was performed by the Zooperstars during the JHS-Brownstown game. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Junior guard Terrence Nord guards Brownstown senior Chace Coomer. Photo by Madison Pritchard.The JHS cheerleaders and student section cheer as JHS breaks Brownstown’s 18-game winning streak last night at Johnson Arena. Photo by Madison Pritchard. The cheerleaders interact with the Inferno student section during a timeout. Photo by Madison Pritchard.Senior Tre Singleton stands at the free-throw line ready to shoot. Photo by Madison Pritchard. The Red Devils cheer for senior Raijon Laird after an exciting play. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
Update: 9:15 p.m. Thursday — JHS beats Brownstown Central 61-43, improving to 15-5.
by Austin Bainbridge
With Sectional knocking on the door, the JHS boys’ basketball team is facing two tough opponents tonight and tomorrow, both contenders for the state championship.
Senior Tre Singleton, guarded by Jennings County sophomore Hayden Low, drives and prepares to take a shot, Singleton scored a game high 32 points in the win over Jennings County last weekend in a game in which the team wore Taylor jerseys to honor Taylor High School. JHS plays Brownstown Central tonight and Evansville Reitz tomorrow. Both games are at Johnson Arena. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
After securing first place in the Hoosier Hills Conference against New Albany and defeating Jennings County 72-69 last weekend, JHS (14-5) will play Brownstown Central (18-0) tonight, and Evansville Reitz (14-3) tomorrow night, both at home.
“This is a benchmark game. I think Brownstown is the epitome of high school basketball. I think if coach Bobby Knight were alive he would be extremely pleased with the way Brownstown plays the game of basketball. I think when you play teams and programs like this it offers you a true test of where your program is and your ability to win,” said head coach Sherron Wilkerson.
Brownstown Central has not lost since Jan. 5, 2024. Their record stands at an untarnished 18-0 on the season.
“To beat Brownstown, I think we are going to have to play extremely well on the offensive side of the floor. I think we will have to limit our turnovers, and we will have to make our free throws,” said Wilkerson.
With Sectional and the IHSAA state tournament right around the corner, the players and coaches know how to prepare for the pressure of big playoff moments.
“To prepare for the playoffs we make every practice as tough as possible. In fact, we create scenarios that get unfair to our guys so we can get used to playing under pressure,” said Wilkerson.
The fans are also geared up and ready for the playoffs.
“With the playoffs coming up soon I think Jeffersonville has a good chance of winning the state championship. I hope that they will come out with everybody healthy and ready to play. If they keep practicing to get better and play their style of game they will find success in the postseason,” said freshman fan Jacob Fifer.
In the playoffs the team expects four-star center Tre Singleton to get most of the attention from defenses, but that could open up opportunities for other players.
“Tre is the center of attention for our opponents’ scouting reports, and so with him, that can give other guys opportunities,” said Wilkerson.
Jeff won the Hoosier Hills Conference against rival New Albany, but the coaching staff still is focused on winning it all.
“Winning the division is a goal that we have had since the start of the season, and I think us doing that has shown our maturity and our ability to deliver under pressure, but we still have a larger goal of winning the state championship,” said Wilkerson.
Even though Brownstown is better than Evansville Reitz the coaching staff sees them both equally.
“We see both games equally. We might even see Reitz again if they win their sectional and everything shakes out right; they could be a regional opponent,” said Wilkerson.
The JHS-Brownstown game is tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Red Devils face Evansville Reitz tomorrow night at 7:30. Both games are in Johnson Arena.
Senior Michael Cooper, senior Shawn Boyd, senior Tre Singleton, and sophomore Caleb Jones during the JHS-Floyd Central game in January. The 92-54 win over the Highlanders contributed to the Red Devils 6-0 Hoosier Hills Conference record. JHS welcomes two ranked teams into Johnson Arena as they face Brownstown Central tonight, and Evansville Reitz tomorrow night. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
A 9-picture photo gallery from varsity senior swimmer Maggie Nifong competing at state for the third year in a row.
Nifong competed in the 200 IM and 100 fly. This was her last high school meet, wrapping up her high school swim career. She will continue to swim at a Division 1 level at Indiana University Indianapolis.
JHS hosted a community celebration of Taylor High School on Saturday, Feb. 15 in Johnson Arena, an event that featured competitive Southern Indiana basketball and recognitions of former faculty, administrators, and students of Taylor.
This story and gallery will be updated throughout the next few days, so check back for more photographs.
All photographs by Madison Pritchard and Brian Juarez.
The Red Devils wore special yellow and purple jerseys for one night only on Saturday, Feb. 15 during the community celebration of Taylor High School in Johnson Arena. Photo by Brian Juarez. Displays were set up in the lobby of Johnson Arena and included photographs and candy from Schimpff’s Confectionery in downtown Jeffersonville. Photo by Brian Juarez. Former Taylor High School students and faculty members and their families were honored between the junior varsity and varsity games with Jennings County. Photo by Brian Juarez. Principal Pam Hall celebrates with the family of former Taylor High School principal Corden Porter on Saturday, Feb. 15. Hall presents a plaque listing the names of Taylor principals. Photo by Brian Juarez. The starting five Red Devils — senior Michael Cooper, senior Raijon Laird, senior Tre Singleton, junior Elijah Cheeks, and junior Terrence Nord — take the court against Jennings County wearing their Taylor jerseys. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Senior Michael Cooper looks to pass the ball while being defended by Jennings County’s Jeremiah Davis. Cooper scored 16 points in the 72-69 Jeff win. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Senior Michael Cooper gets ready to pass the ball to senior Tre Singleton. Photo by Madison Pritchard.Senior Tre Singleton, guarded by Jennings County sophomore Hayden Low, drives and prepares to take a shot, Singleton scored a game high 32 points in the win over Jennings County. Photo by Madison Pritchard.Senior guard Gilly Polk shoots over the Jennings County defense. Polk scored 3 points and had 4 assists during the game. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Junior Elijah Cheeks plays defense as JHS holds a 6-point lead on Jennings County. The game was close throughout, with the Red Devils winning 72-69 on a night that saw Taylor High School alumni and administrators honored for their legacy. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — it’s the perfect time to celebrate self-love and independence. While the world may be filled with heart-shaped chocolates and romantic dinners, being single doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun.
This day can be an opportunity to treat yourself, spend time with loved ones, or indulge in activities that make you happy. Whether it’s a solo adventure, a night of relaxation, or a gathering with friends, there are countless ways to make the day special.
So, instead of dreading Feb. 14, here’s a list to do on Valentine’s Day single:
Buy yourself a gift, whether it’s chocolates, flowers, or something you’ve been wanting for a while.
Run a bubble bath, do a face mask, and watch your favorite movie with a glass of wine or tea.
Go to your favorite restaurant or coffee shop, or take a fun adventure like a museum visit or scenic walk.
Binge-Watch a series or movie marathon – Watch rom-coms, thrillers, or anything that makes you happy.
Host a Galentine’s or Bro-entine’s Party – Gather your single friends for a fun night with food, drinks, and games.
Cook or Bake Something Special – Try out a new recipe or bake some festive treats just for you.
Take a break from all the Valentine’s posts and focus on yourself.
Read a book, paint, write, play an instrument — do whatever brings you joy.
Buy yourself something special because you deserve it!
Take a Short Trip or Staycation – Visit a nearby town, book a hotel room, or explore a new place.
Write Yourself a Love Letter – List all the things you love about yourself and what makes you amazing.
Being single on Valentine’s Day is just another reason to celebrate yourself. Do whatever makes you feel happy, loved, and fulfilled.
No matter how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, remember that love isn’t just about romance — it’s about celebrating yourself, your happiness, and the people who make life special.
Taylor High School graduates Flora Clipper and Frank Baines join JHS Hyphen and WJHI journalists for an extensive interview on Nov. 19, in the WJHI studio. Clipper graduated from Taylor High School in 1940, and Baines graduated in 1952. Photo by Ifrah Daber.
A historical marker with a long history, Taylor High School at 821 Wall Street in Jeffersonville was first built in 1891. It is a living representation of the turmoil and struggles that African Americans had to overcome just to receive an education.
Originally named “City School,” then later renamed after its first principal Robert Frank Taylor, Taylor High School stood as Jeffersonville’s designated black school until Jeff High’s integration in 1952.
Though segregation legally ended in 1954, before then many African American students in Jeffersonville had to overcome many obstacles to receive a fair and equal education. Both Flora Clipper and Frank Baines attended Taylor High School during its operation as a segregated school in the mid-1900s.
“The time, the times are different,” said Clipper, Taylor Class graduate of 1940.
According to Clipper, the typical day at Taylor had similarities and differences to modern schooling. Now, most students are driven by bus to and from school; however, there was none of this convenient transit at Taylor. To get to school, students’ legs were their best friends.
“I remember all was walking,” said Clipper. “There was no transportation. You would start [class] by about 8. School would start and you get in your classroom and we would move from class.”
Class sizes were also significantly smaller because of the modest size of the school. ”This is my graduating class – seven girls and six boys,” said Baines, holding up a photo of 13 former Taylor students.
The school did not contain any designated room or section for extracurriculars due to lack of funding. As Clipper shared, “Taylor High School had no auditorium or anything that could accommodate. Even the high school that we had, they were just rooms.”
Flora said the lack of extracurriculars included a lack of yearbooks during her time there.
“We didn’t when I was coming up, we didn’t have any yearbooks…we [Taylor students] couldn’t afford it. But not long afterward when Frank came… in his days they had nice yearbooks.”
There were a few electives or skills that those who attended could participate in. Baines specifically spoke of typing classes. These classes were a way to give Baines opportunities in the military.
“I’m in the military and I spent the three years in the military as a clerk typist from learning typing,” he said.
Though opportunities like these were not often given to students, it’s very clear how beneficial they were in the long run for students like Baines who took these skills into the real world.
This lack of funding and extracurricular activities limited the opportunities and didn’t give the students of Taylor the same array of choices that might have been given or received by white students just around the street.
Because of the school’s underfunding and society’s prejudice, others’ opinions regarding their intelligence were often unfairly misconstrued when compared to students at other local schools.
“Jeff High, even though it was a segregated school, it was a privilege to live on the street with some white girls, who were [white], but became as close as my own sister,” Clipper said.
She had one friend in particular, who she’d expressed her thoughts to.
“I would tell her about how he would make us feel bad about it, ” Clipper stated, referring to a teacher who would compare Taylor High to Jeff.
“It’s even assumed that the students were doing much better than we…and sometimes she would help me with my work or I would help her,” she continued.
The inherent racial prejudice and judgment that was placed on the shoulders of Taylor students just because of the color of their skin and the school they attended was not an accurate representation of the intelligence of Taylor students.
There were many issues that affected the livelihood of these students at the time, such as what is referred to as the Great Flood of 1937, from the destruction of many buildings and homes. Many students were forced to quit school and get jobs to support their families. Situations out of students’ control greatly affected their lives.
Yet despite all these barriers, many African Americans still went on to have successful futures, examples like Clipper who worked for the United Methodist Church as a deaconess for over 38 years, all in community centers working with young children while living in seven different states.
Additionally, Baines played for the Taylor basketball team and then joined the military as a clerk, typing for the military. He and Clipper both said they lived successful and complete lives, despite all they both had to overcome.
There has been a major push in the last few years for some way to recognize the history of Taylor High School and its students and faculty.
Senior guard Shawn Boyd and senior forward Raijon Baird sport commemorative jerseys during an interview to honor the legacy of Taylor High School on Friday, Feb. 7. JHS will honor Taylor High School at the Jennings County game at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. Photo by Trista Denny.
In addition to being designated as a historical marker, Jeff High will commemorate the Taylor school and community this Saturday, Feb. 15, during the Jennings County basketball game in Johnson Arena. Purple and gold Taylor High School gear will be worn by players, cheerleaders and staff as a way to pay tribute to the school’s long and important history. Taylor students and staff will be recognized, and WJHI will show a documentary during Saturday’s festivities.
Principal Pam Hall said Saturday’s event will bring light to the history of Taylor.
“It’s important to commemorate the impact it had on the city and community,” said Hall.
Senior forward P.J. Douglas said Saturday is “something that we need to know, something everybody needs to know. It’s important.”
Festivities will begin on Saturday after the junior varsity basketball game.
Additional reporting by Arissa Washington and Trista Denny.
Senior forward PJ Douglas is interviewed by WJHI sophomore Drayton Broadbent with broadcast instructor Fred Cowgill. Douglas wears a commemorative jersey to honor Jeffersonville’s Taylor High School. JHS will honor the legacy of Taylor High School at the Jennings County game on Saturday, Feb. 15. Photo by Trista Denny.
Regarding family-style dining, Buca di Beppo is a name that often stands out. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and hearty Italian-American dishes, this restaurant promises a ballad of flavor nostalgia, and communal dining. But does it truly deliver on its reputation? I visited Buca de Beppo, and here’s what I discovered.
Buca di Beppo: A Taste of Italy with a Side of Nostalgia
Buca di Beppo is a restaurant that knows how to make an impression from the moment you walk through the door. With its warm, inviting ambiance and quirky décor that celebrates Italian-American culture, it’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into the home of a big, boisterous Italian family.
Ambiance
The décor is over-the-top, with walls covered in vintage photographs, posters, and eclectic knickknacks. Strings of lights and checkered tablecloths create a fun, nostalgic vibe. The layout features family-style dining rooms and even a “kitchen table” for those who want a behind-the-scenes experience. While the atmosphere is lively and vibrant, it may feel noisy for those seeking an intimate or quiet dinner.
Service
The service is friendly and accommodating, with staff members eager to explain the family-style menu concept. They are attentive without being overbearing, ensuring drinks are refilled and dishes arrive promptly.
Food
Buca di Beppo specializes in Italian-American classics, and their portions are designed for sharing. Here’s a breakdown of some highlights:
• Appetizers: The Fried Mozzarella and Bruschetta are crowd-pleasers. The mozzarella is perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with a robust marinara sauce.
• Pasta Dishes: Their Spaghetti with Meatballs is a signature dish, and it doesn’t disappoint. The marinara sauce is tangy and fresh, while the meatballs are tender and flavorful. The Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and indulgent, though it can be a bit heavy for some palates.
• Entrées: The Chicken Parmigiana is a standout, with its crispy breading and generous layer of melted cheese. The Eggplant Parmigiana is also a great vegetarian option, though it leans on the richer side.
• Desserts: The Tiramisu and Chocolate Chip Cannoli are decadent and satisfying, making for a perfect sweet ending.
Family-Style Concept
The family-style dining experience is both a strength and a potential drawback, depending on your party size and preferences. Large groups will love the communal feel, but smaller parties may find it challenging to justify ordering multiple large dishes.
Price
While the portions are large, the pricing can feel a bit steep, especially if you’re dining with a smaller group. However, for the quantity and quality, it’s a reasonable value for those looking to indulge.
Overall Experience
Buca di Beppo is a fantastic choice for celebrations, family gatherings, or casual dinners where you want to enjoy hearty Italian comfort food in a fun, lively setting. While the noise level and portion sizes may not suit every diner, the restaurant’s charm and bold flavors make it a memorable dining experience.
The girls’ team placed third overall at the swimming and diving Sectional last Saturday at Highland Hills Middle School.
Senior Maggie Nifong finished first in the 200 IM and the 100 Fly, three-peating in the 100 Fly. Diver Eva Ellis advanced to diving regionals based on a third-place finish.
Click on photo gallery bellow. Photos by Romier Hunter-Lawrence.
Senior Maggie Nifong hugs mother and father, Missy and Brad Nifong, as they hand her the award for winning the 200 IM at sectionals in 2:15.77. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Senior Maggie Nifong stands on the award podium at Sectional after winning the 200 IM with a time of 2:15.77, a 3.83-second drop from prelims and beating second place by over 2.5 seconds. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Seniors Maggie Nifong and Kaya Arnold stand on the podium for the 100 Fly. Nifong placed first with 59.79 seconds, dropping 2.37 seconds from prelims. Arnold placed fourth with a time of 1:03.58. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Junior Litzy Rubio goes off the block for the 400 free relay as senior Kaya Arnold swims and hands the race over. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Junior Lauren Peters gets ready to race in the 500 freestyle. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Sophomore Stella Siewert does the backstroke start as she prepares to race for the 200 medley relay. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence. Members of the boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving teams pose together at the end of Saturday’s girls’ Sectional at Highland Hills Middle School. The boys dressed as senior citizens to creatively support the girls’ team. The girls’ team placed third overall. Senior Maggie Nifong finished first in the 200 IM and the 100 Fly, three-peating in the 100 Fly. Diver Eva Ellis advanced to diving regionals based on a third-place finish.
Senior guard Shawn Boyd and senior forward Raijon Baird sport commemorative jerseys during an interview to honor the legacy of Taylor High School on Friday, Feb. 7. JHS will honor Taylor High School at the Jennings County game at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. The game and ceremony will cap off a busy week for the Red Devils, who face rival New Albany at Johnson Arena this Tuesday, Feb. 11. Photo by Trista Denny.
The JHS boys’ basketball team has been racking up wins against strong competition, but after this weekend’s 63-46 win against Mishawaka Marian, they still have their biggest game of the year against local rival New Albany this Tuesday.
“This is one of the toughest games we play all year psychologically, especially due to the rivalry. Two big things are your ability to focus on getting done what you need to get done from a preparation standpoint and you have to understand the magnitude of this game with it being one of the biggest rivalry games in the state. If we can do those things we will find success in the game,” said head coach Sherron Wilkerson.
New Albany comes into this game 14-2 and 4-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference with five straight wins. Jeff enters the game 12-5 and 4-0 in the conference with six straight wins. Tuesday’s game is for sole possession of first-place in the HHC.
“This game is important because they’re cross-town rivals. They are a really good team. This is also for the best record in the conference,” said guard Cornelius Weobong.
The coaching staff knows this game is going to be competitive. They are going to have to leave their best on the court to be able to win.
“We are hoping to be able to guard the basketball and rebound it at a very high level. I think if we take care of the basketball and have good shot selection we could have a very good chance to win,” said Wilkerson
The players also know this is a big game and they know what they need to do in order to secure a victory.
“If we guard them and force them to take shots they don’t want to take, we can win,” said starting center and senior Tre Singleton
The Red Devils have won five straight games, but coaches are trying not to let that affect their style of play.
“Our winning streak affects the way our players play, but we try to combat that by telling the guys we are more concerned with the process than the results for us, we have 23 games and we focus on winning 92 quarters,” said Wilkerson.
Senior Michael Cooper is recognized for his 1000-point career achievement with coach Sherron Wilkerson at the Floyd Central game. JHS won 92-54. The Red Devils (12-5) play rival New Albany (13-2) next Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Jennings County (8-8) on Saturday, Feb. 15. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
The rivalry is one of the biggest aspects in this game, but Coach Wilkerson doesn’t want it to change the way the team normally plays.
“Our goals are always the same – guard you, rebound you, take care of the basketball, and take good shots. It doesn’t matter who the team is, we will always do these things,” said Wilkerson
JHS has had this game marked on their calendars since the schedule came out and has been preparing since summer for it.
“We have done a lot of scout work. We know how they play very well and we know how to stop them,” said Singleton.
The fans have also been anticipating this game since the season began.
“This is going to be a good game I think. Jeff has played good these past few games. They have been shooting well,” said freshman fan Carter Glotzback.
The Red Devils take on The Bulldogs Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Johnson Arena. The coaches and players feel the advantage of a home game in a pivotal matchup like this.
“I think playing at home, being in your own gym, and being with your own fans is a huge advantage. From an emotional standpoint, it’s a home-court advantage. We have our own sixth man in the crowd,” said Wilkerson.
Senior Tre Singleton drives against Providence defenders during the JHS-Providence game on Jan. 18. The Red Devils beat the Pioneers 41-29. JHS will face New Albany and Jennings County next week. Photo by Sophia Goforth.
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