2026 Lilly Endowment Scholarship winner, senior Lizty Rubio, is a significant part of JHS and her community beyond Jeff. She is an active member of the swim team, the Anchor Club, the National Honor Society, and represents the school as a student ambassador.
“Litzy is a compassionate, strong, and dependable person. Because she’s in such high classes and she works for so much of what she has, and her leadership positions just show how dependable she can be, and for each of those, she has to be very compassionate,” stated junior Macyn Jackson.
Rubio is known as a leader in everything she does. In her junior year, she served as the co-president of the Student Council, along with representing the Senior Class as vice president this year.
“I feel like being involved in the school allows me to be better prepared for my future. I used to be shy and kept to myself, but my sports and clubs have allowed me to expand on everything,” explained Rubio.
Senior Litzy Rubio displays leadership and friendship in a number of JHS activities, including the swim team. Submitted photo.
Being a student-athlete can make or break a person. They have to have a strong will and determination to succeed, along with balancing the aspects of school, sports, and life in general. But it can also lead to so much more than just medals and trophies.
“Some of my best memories and friendships have come alongside the sports I have done,” said Rubio. “The people are like a second family to me; we wake up early in the morning for practice and leave late at night from meets. I am with them all the time, even during the holidays.”
These friendships could last a lifetime.
“Litzy truly is someone I look up to. She sets an example for everyone, showing that if you really want to do something, you can,” senior Mari Bush explained.
Rubio plans to potentially attend Purdue University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and possibly earn her master’s degree in architecture to become an architectural engineer.
All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad. Click on each photo in the gallery below.
Senior Kyndal McCartin cheers on the Red Devils at sectionals this past Tuesday. The Red Devils defeated Floyd Central 72-54 and will play Seymour this Friday. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior Jacob Wilkerson mentally prepares for the game as starters are announced at the beginning of last night’s sectional game against Floyd Central. JHS won 72-54. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Jacob Wilkerson tips off for the Red Devils against Floyd Central on Tuesday. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Terrence Nord shoots a 3-pointer for the Red Devils. The Red Devil boys’ defeated Floyd Central 72-54. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior Germaine Perry shoots a 3-point shot on Tuesday night. JHS (10–12) advanced to the sectional semifinals to play Seymour this Friday, while Floyd Central ended their season at 11–12. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Terrence Nord takes a contested shot against the Floyd Central defense. JHS led by 5 points at half-time, but scored 25 points in the third quarter to take control of Tuesday’s game. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Terrence Nord shoots over the Floyd Central defense in the third quarter of last night’s sectional game. The Red Devils took control of the game with a 25-point third quarter, leading to a 72-54 win. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman Jayvone Roach pushes the ball up the court, looking to pass, during last night’s 72-54 victory over Floyd Central. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Aiden Toler gets ready for the next possession. Toler had a 20-point night, 14 of those being in the third quarter. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Coach Sherron Wilkerson coaches his team in last night’s sectional game. Jeffersonville beat Floyd Central 72-54 Tuesday night and will face Seymour in the sectional semi-finals this Friday, March 6 in Seymour. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Caleb Jones takes a wide-open layup in the fourth quarter. JHS advanced to play Friday night in the semi-final of sectionals against Seymour after last night’s 72-54 win over Floyd Central.. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Jeff is looking for a sectional win over Floyd Central tonight, a team they beat with a buzzer beater 49-48 in January.
“We are a better team than we were when we first faced Floyd; it’s not going to take any late game scores to get us the win this time,” said sophomore center Cornelius Weobong
Jeff isn’t the highest ranked team in the sectional, but head coach Sherron Wilkerson said anything can happen in the post-season.
“On paper, I think that we can win the sectional. I know that we were probably third right now, I would say, in the segments. But I would say if everything came together, I think that we can win the sectional for sure,” said he said.
Sophomore Mason Longest looks to pass the ball while being defended at Floyd Central in January. JHS won 49-48 in the closing seconds of the game. The Red Devils play FC in a rematch in sectional tonight in Seymour. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
The Red Devils know the stakes in playing against a rival in a win or go-home game and need to keep themselves in check.
“We have got to mature really fast. I think there are two things that we have to do — number one, we have to understand how much effort it takes to play at this level. And then I think the second thing that we have to realize is how much we have to control our emotions,” said Wilkerson
The roster has been cut down to just 12 players for sectionals and they are expected to play unselfishly for the team.
“I think it’s really just like the entire team’s going to step up. You know, we’re all going to come together as one and play for the name on the front. There may be some specific players, but I feel like we’re all just going to play for the name on the front, try to get the win,” said sophomore center Demauri Crosby.
Jeff comes in winning both of their last games by 24+ points and expects that momentum to carry into the playoffs.
“Those wins certainly have given us a boost that we can ride through this whole thing to make it back to state,” said Weobong.
For the team it’s business as usual they want to keep everything the same to keep the players in flow.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Just our normal day-to-day preparation. Our preparation has been the same since the first day that I took the job up until now. We’re preparing to finish these last three games in the sectional, like we prepared to win the state championship,” said Wilkerson.
Head coach Sherron Wilkerson gives the Red Devils the game plan against SIlver Creek earlier in the season. Wilkerson said preparations for sectional and the state tournament remain the same as always. “Our preparation has been the same since the first day that I took the job up until now.” Photo by Malachi Conrad.
All photos by Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey, Mackenzie Stubblefield, and Charlie Perissi. Click on each photo below to view the gallery.
Sophomore Shyne Scruggs shoots a free throw against Castle on Friday during the third quarter of the JV game. Photo by Mackenzie Stubblefield. Sophomore Spencer Robinson plays during the junior varsity game against Castle on Friday night. Photo by Mackenzie Stubblefield. Sophomore Mason Longest scores the final two points of the junior varsity game against Castle last Friday. JHS won 50-40. Photo by Charlie Perissi. Senior Ja’Breeah Batey celebrates her Senior Night, being the only senior on the Step Team. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Caleb Jones high fives his teammates before the game against Castle Friday night. The Red Devils defeated Castle 79-55 and will face off with Hoosier Hills rival Floyd Central in the first round of sectional tomorrow in Seymour. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Freshman Marquel Garner shoots a contested 3-pointer over Castle defense. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Fred Stone dunks the ball during the Castle game. Stone led the Red Devils with 18 points. . Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Jacob Wilkerson takes a mid-range shot. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Freshman Jayvonne Roach takes a breather in the first quarter. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Elijah Cheeks dribbles the ball during the Friday night home game against Castle. The Red Devils led from start to finish and won 79-55 on Senior Night. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Jacob Wilkerson going in for a layup against the Castle defense. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Jacob Wilkerson attempts a tough layup. Jeffersonville beat Castle 79-55 last Friday night. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Elijah Cheeks catches an alley-oop deep into the 3rd quarter and attempts to dunk the ball. Photo by Malachi Conrad.The Red Devils break after their timeout. JHS will go on to play Floyd Central in Tuesday’s sectional match in Seymour. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
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.
Coach Sherron Wilkerson gives his team advice and motivates them to win the game. Jeff beat Floyd Central 49-48 in the closing seconds of the game in January. They face the Highlanders in the first round of sectional next week. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
“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.
Back again with another year of the Red Devil track team. It doesn’t begin with medals or crowds; it starts with sweat, sore legs, and a belief that this year will be different.
As JHS runners get back into their old routines, they have been having conditioning practice, such as weight lifting, practicing running on the track, jumping mats, pool workouts, and training their legs and form. They prepare before they head back to their actual practice, which began Feb. 9.
Head coach Sam Mull oversees boys’ and girls’ track team members as they stretch to prepare for practice. Track meets for both teams begin in early March. Photo by Marcus Baker.
They use “Sports You” as an app to communicate with their coaches and check for any information that is needed for their athletes.
There are five coaches on the track team. Sam Mull is the head coach. Klarissa Early is the new distance coach. Kim Zink is in charge of the throwers. Carlis Phillips is in charge of the sprinters. And Lucas Couron is the pole vault coach.
Mull’s goals for the season are to continue to grow and develop technical skill sets for his athletes and avoid injuries for their safety. He said his best way to handle a pressure situation is by setting rules and goals for each individual. The workouts vary in discipline, but they all follow the same basic outline, he said.
Early’s goals for this season are to help everyone become mentally tougher and more disciplined as the season goes on. She wants to learn how to use her strategies to help her long-distance athletes get better every day.
Each event group has at least one leader who guides their team: Long-distance group — senior Larry Lucio; girls’ long-distance group — Keira Jackson; sprinter group, senior Elijah Cheeks; girls’ sprinter group Emliy Perissi; and throwers’ group, junior Jomall Owens.
Athletic director A.J. Moye said he plans to help the team by “offering my presence” and being a “servant” for the coaching staff and athletes.
Lucio is most excited to run the 4x800m relay and the open 800m. He is preparing in the off-season by eating well and staying fit for when the season comes.
Lucio started running in middle school and did it for his friends, and when he moved to Indiana from Texas, he just naturally joined the team. He says motivated to keep going when practice gets hard by talking to his friends and teammates.
He doesn’t like to tell himself anything before the start of the race, like instantly, he likes to clear his head and focus on the race while trying to bring his heart rate down.
“Distance running isn’t a race to beat others, it’s about outlasting the voice in your head telling you to stop,” he said.
Jackson is excited to start the 1600s as a new event in her last year of high school. Jackson has been training extra hard with savory fitness and running on her own to prepare for track season. Her parents inspired her to keep pushing, so she doesn’t give up on herself.
Her goal is to “rock this 1600s because I will be good at it.” She said she always looks up at God, knowing that he puts her on this earth to run. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” said Jackson.
Head coach Sam Mull meets with boys’ and girls’ track team members at practice, explaining procedures for the day’s after-school practice. Photo by Marcus Baker.
Junior Jayden Kelly is excited to compete in the 110 mh and 300mh. After his short last season, he is looking to improve and progress to be able to compete and possibly win the state. He’s been preparing by lifting weights and staying in shape during off season while working on improving his hurdle form.
He ran track since elementary school, but the people who really inspired him are his coaches and teammates. His one goal is to compete at state. When practice gets hard, he reminds himself of his goals, and that will take a lot of work and dedication.
Perissi is most excited for the 100s this season. Last year in her sectionals, she false-started and had a terrible moment, but this year she’s ready to make a comeback and prove people wrong. She goes to the gym three times a week and works out to get stronger.
Nizaish Carr and Lyric Steele, a former old trackmate, gave her a perspective to stay motivated through last year. Her goal is to stay focused on her health and push through longer and have her body ready for the end of her track season.
Sophomore Samy Carrlio is most excited for the 400 dash, 4×4, and 800s. She has been preparing herself by eating and sleeping well. She goes to the gym three times a week and gotten mentally strong. Her friend Lila from 6th grade was inspired by her to join the team. She loves it since then. One of her biggest goals is to make it to state or at least get a sub-minute in her 400 dash. She always tells herself that god has a plan and believes in her.
As the Red Devil track team starts, they will develop their skills and improve their capability for the season.
“Every day brings a new challenge, and while we can’t always master those changes, we must have the will and desire to do our best and accept where we end up,” said Mull.
All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad. Click on the images below to view the gallery.
Junior Jacob Wilkerson tips off against Columbus East on Saturday. JHS won the Hoosier Hills Conference matchup 77-52. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Sophomore Aiden Toler attempts a tough layup through contact in the first quarter. The Red Devils started Saturday’s game with a 19-5 run. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Aidan Toler shoots for the Red Devils. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Elijah Cheeks draws the offense to him, then passes out to the left wing. JHS defeated Columbus East 77-52 in Saturday’s Hoosier Hills Conference game, their ninth consecutive victory over the Olympians. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Freshman Jayvonne Roach scans the floor, looking to create an offensive play. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Maliyah Morrison gifts senior Kenzie Keller her gift basket for Senior Night. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Sophomore Reese Dobson gifts Kyndal McCartin her Senior Night basket. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior Jacob WIlkerson boosts his team’s morale after being subbed out. JHS beat Columbus East 77-52 last Saturday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Terrence Nord and junior Jacob Wilkerson high five cand celebrate being ahead at halftime. JHS won 77-52. the Red Devils third consecutive home win. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman Jayvone Roach shoots a three-pointer for the Red Devils. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Sophomore Aidan Toler chest bumps junior Jacob Wilkerson after a successful play. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.
While student walk-outs protesting ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have occurred at several local high schools and across Indiana recently, a small group of JHS students stood together to make their voices be heard at last Friday’s homecoming game to bring awareness to current events.
Students make their way down to the main gym while lifting their signs up high on Feb 13. Junior Tristan Cooley hopes his message brings awareness to many. “I want the audience to see that even people in cities like Jeffersonville — even high school students in the cities of Jeffersonville where there isn’t a large ICE presence — see this as an issue where the government needs to do something about it.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Freshman Khloe Garcia holds a Mexican flag and sign on Feb 13. The planned protest went through several changes by student organizers before last Friday. Regardless of changes to the protest, Garcia said she intends to inspire others with their action. “To me as long as we are speaking up about what’s going on in the world right now — I think that’s all that matters. We are not here to change the thoughts of anyone, but to encourage others to speak up.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Students stand while raising their signs on Feb 13. Despite the mixed emotions, senior Makensie Moriarity remains determined. “I feel very upset, sad, angry, and I wish it didn’t come to this, but we are here and we’re going to make our difference.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Chanting continues throughout the homecoming game on Feb 13. Sophomore Makenzi Middleton said she recognizes the impact of the youth while addressing common assumptions. “A lot of people think that kids don’t understand what’s going on with politics, but we are not too young to be affected by them. The world needs to be more peaceful, loving, and supportive because we all bleed the same color— we are all humans, have families, and emotions.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. The student-led protest continues following halftime at the Feb 13 homecoming game. Senior Lily Whitson’s said her motivation stems from her closest loved ones. “I know a lot of my family doesn’t have the voice to speak out, so I’m doing my best to be the voice for them.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. The student-led protest continues following halftime on Feb 13. Cooley expressed his personal perspective, “I don’t agree with what’s going on in our country right now, and I want to speak out about it —history shows we can’t stay silent.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.
All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Abygail Lawson. Click on each photo below to view the gallery.
Senior queen candidates Kaydee Merrifield, Kendall Curry, Riley Dobson, and Kyndal McCartin pose for a picture. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Sophomore homecoming court representatives Malik Fulton and Mya Corbin. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Freshman homecoming court representatives Quincy Greene and Kylie Lantrip. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior queen candidate Kaydee Merrifield and sophomore Dennis Van Duyn. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior homecoming court representatives Parker McCloskey and Alayah Brown. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior king candidate Ubaldo Pille Jaramillo and senior queen candidate Kendall Curry. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior king candidate Jacob Lantrip and senior queen candidate Riley Dobson. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior king candidate Victor Tenev and senior queen candidate Kyndal McCartin Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Sophomore homecoming court representatives Kai Helton and Lorelei Darling. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Freshman homecoming court representatives Reno Jones-Turner and Allison Sharp. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior homecoming court representatives Ke’Mari Smith & Kynnadee Harris. Photo by Magdalene Conrad. Senior Ubaldo Pille Jaramillo is crowned by previous homecoming king, Luke Church. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Riley Dobson crowned winter homecoming queen. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Riley Dobson celebrates with last winter’s homecoming queen, Violet Fondrisi, during Friday night’s ceremony. Photo by Abygail LawsonSeniors Riley Dobson and Ubaldo Pille Jaramillo pose for a photo after being crowned homecoming king and queen. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.
Some students displayed signs protesting ICE during the game
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Abygail Lawson. Click on each image in the gallery below to view photographs.
Check back tomorrow for homecoming festivity photographs, including images of the crowning.
Senior Terrence Nord does his pregame introduction with junior Caleb Jones right before tip-off of Friday’s homecoming game against Bedford North Lawrence. The Red Devils won 75-42 and improved to 7-11 overall this season. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Zion Mitchell wins the tip-off against BNL. Jeffersonville defeated the Stars 75-42 at Friday’s homecoming game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Elijah Cheeks passes the ball to the right wing. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Some JHS students held signs in the crowd to protest ICE during Friday night’s home game against Bedford North Lawrence. Photo by Abygail Lawson. Some JHS students in the crowd hold signs protesting ICE during Friday night’s homecoming game against Bedford North Lawrence. Photo by Abygail Lawson. Some JHS students in the crowd hold signs protesting ICE during Friday night’s homecoming game against Bedford North Lawrence. Photo by Abygail Lawson. Sophomore Fred Stone takes the open lane and makes a lay-up against the BNL defense. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Terrence Nord takes a breather in the 1st quarter of Friday’s homecoming game against BNL. Nord helped the Red Devils win 75-42. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Caleb Jones plays defense during Friday’s homecoming game at Johnson Arena. JHS won 75-42 on homecoming night. Photo by Abygail Lawson.The JHS pep band performs a halftime song before the homecoming court unveiling. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Caleb Jones attempts a lay-up in the 3rd quarter. Photo by Malachi Conrad.The Red Devils gather during a time-out to talk strategy during Friday’s home game against Bedford North Lawrence. Photo by Abygail Lawson. The Red Devils cheer on their teammates after a made 3-pointer. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Jeff is looking to get back into the win column at tonight’s Homecoming game after a three-game slide as the Red Devils make their final push to sectionals.
Jeff faces Southern Indiana rival Bedford North Lawrence at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Johnson Arena.
“I think that this upcoming game is just a must win. We’ve been having a hard season and a hard time connecting as a team. So hopeful we can breeze through this game and prepare ourselves for sectionals,” said sophomore center Mason Longest.
The players are always looking for a good crowd to get them ready to play.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of important people at that game, and it’s just going to give us the fire to win and we’re just going to play hard,” said sophomore center Demauri Crosby.
But having the belief in their skills has gotten the team as far as they are.
“I see a lot of confidence in the team, and that doesn’t come from nowhere; it comes from success, and I think a win against BNL would definitely help with that confidence,” said head coach Sherron Wilkerson.
BNL is struggling in the height department, topping out at 6 ‘3, and Jeff is waiting to exploit that.
“I think we’ll be able to get a lot of post touches, and we should be able to easily get a lot of rebounds,” said Crosby.
The first stat everyone looks at is the team’s record, but the players say it hasn’t been that simple with many of the teams they’ve played.
“Don’t look at the (opponent’s)record. I mean, it’s an Indianapolis team, so they’re obviously going pay hard. So, we just need to come home and play harder. We played a Warren Central team with a bad record and lost, so don’t regard that,” said Crosby.
Graphic by Magdalene Conrad.
This is Senior Night and homecoming, where a king and queen will be crowned, and with that the coaches don’t just see a celebration, but a lesson.
“I hope it affects the seniors in a way that we’re running out of games. We’re running out of opportunities to get the stuff that needs to be addressed addressed, so there needs to be a sense of urgency,” said Wilkerson.
Moving forward after BNL tonight, Jeff will end this season playing four straight games against .500 teams, and they’re looking to make final adjustments before the playoffs.
“Those teams obviously aren’t powerhouses, but we can’t count them out. I think they will be a great chance to get everything in tune for when it matters most in sectionals,” said Longest.
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