Win over Evansville Harrison sets up Red Devil return to semi-state this weekend; JHS plays Mt. Vernon at noon in New Castle in Game 2

All photos by Magdalene Conrad.

Click on photographs in the gallery.

Update: March 8 at 9 p.m.: JHS defeats New Albany 62-47 to win the 2025 sectional championship. Check back for more sectional coverage next week.

Update: March 7 at 9:20 p.m.: It will be a Red Devil-Bulldog rematch for the sectional championship tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in Seymour as Jeff will face New Albany.

Update: March 7 at 8:30 p.m.: JHS defeats Bedford North Lawrence 68-38 to advance to sectional championship; will face New Albany-Floyd Central winner tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

by Austin Bainbridge

During the busy playoff season I was able to sit down for an interview with head boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson.

During the conversation we talked about his confidence after Tuesday’s 82-49 win against the Scottsburg Warriors in the first round of sectional and what the team needs to do in order to maintain playoff success tonight against Bedford North Lawrence (9-12).

Do you think the blowout win against Scottsburg will affect your confidence throughout the rest of the playoffs?

“Yes I do. I don’t think it was necessarily the score that gave us confidence; the way that we played gave us confidence. We hit the goals we set out to accomplish.”

Do any players have their own personal goals?

“We set goals for them of one steal, one layup, one offensive rebound, and a putback.”

Does beating Bedford North Lawrence earlier in the season give you confidence going into the game on Friday, knowing that you have beaten them before?

“No, I think that it has to be just the opposite. Here’s why. Typically, when you beat a team in the regular season there is a tendency to go in overly confident. You have a tendency to overlook them. We are going to get Bedford’s best shot because last time we played them they thought they found some things that they could do better against us. So we have to go in with our most intensity yet so we can beat them.”

Has the team’s winning streak affected the way the players have played, such as playing more confidently?

“I think it makes them more confident in the things we are trying to do. I think it helps them to buy into our system more.”

With you not knowing who your opponent will be because the playoff games are so close together, how do you gameplan?

“Typically, what we do is in our practice plan (is) we’ll incorporate the main tendencies of the potential opponents we could play. So no matter who we play we are at least familiar with the two or three things they do the best.”

Do you treat every playoff game the same, no matter the opponent, whether it’s Scottsburg or the best team in the state?

“We treat it the same. We treat every team like they’re the best in the state. Virginia was a one seed and got upset by a sixteenth seed (in the NCAA tournament), so anything can happen. We see every team as dangerous and we try to play our best no matter what.”

If you win Friday you might have the chance to play New Albany. Do you see that as an opportunity to knock them out of the playoffs since they are a big rival.

“We don’t look at it as that. We look at it as an opportunity to hang another banner, no matter who the opponent is.”

What is the most important thing the team has to do to win these next few games?

“I think they have to stay locked in mentally. I think that is the hardest part, because you’ve been through an entire season. Coach has been pushing you. Coach has been constantly giving you messages that you have to carry out. Coach has been yelling and screaming at you to pay attention to details. It gets repetitive. This is the hardest part of the season, but also the most fun.”

Did anything stick out to you in the win against Scottsburg?

“The players’ mature approach. I think you could have a talented team, you could have a really good team, but if the team isn’t focused on what they need to accomplish, then they are in a really bad spot.” 

What do you want to see from the team against Bedford North Lawrence tonight?

“We definitely have to guard the basketball. We have to make sure our shot selection is really good.”

JHS (18-5) plays Bedford North Lawrence (9-12) in the next round of sectional tonight at 6 p.m. in Seymour, followed by the New Albany-Floyd Central game. The winners will face off for the sectional championship tomorrow night.

Check back for sectional updates throughout the weekend.

Red Devils defeat Scottsburg 82-49 Tuesday in sectional play

For photo coverage of Tuesday’s JHS win over Scottsburg, click on the photos in the gallery below.

All photographs by Magdalene Conrad.

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.

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.

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.

 by Teagan Cofie

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. 

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.

Check back next week at www.thehyphennews.com for coverage of Saturday’s event.

To read more about Taylor High School, read these Hyphen stories:

The History and Legacy of Jeffersonville’s Taylor High School

Taylor High School graduates share Clark County history in interview with Hyphen, WJHI

Additional reporting by Arissa Washington and Trista Denny.

by Austin Bainbridge

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.

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.

by Gabby Watkins

The girls’ basketball team will a make-up game tomorrow at home against Evansville North (11-7). The Red Devils are  9-10 right now in the season, and are 4-2 in the Hoosier Hills Conference. They will play Scottsburg next Tuesday and Silver Creek next Thursday, with Sectional beginning soon after.  

As Sectional play nears, the Red Devils explained their greatest accomplishments this season.

“I fixed my attitude and my body language on the court.” Junior Kelis Dansby

“Probably shooting several 3s in a game and gaining confidence in my shots.” Freshman Mya Corbin

“Gaining my confidence back and showing signs of growth physically and mentally from the beginning of the season to now.” Sophomore Lila Schurr

“Mastering key fundamentals and being able to get the ball down the court and my defensive efforts.” Sophomore Carlee Glenn

“I would say definitely how close we’ve gotten as a team. I came into this season wanting everyone to be a family, and I seriously feel like we did that. I wanted the underclassmen to trust me and I feel like I accomplished that as well.” Senior Katie Lawrence

“Being able to learn and grow with my teammates by my side, especially since this is my first year.” Freshman Makenna Taylor

“Dropping 10 on Castle.”  Freshman Lore Darling 
“I say so far my biggest accomplishment would be being stronger at the role I was given when I joined the team.” Junior Kiya Boatwright

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.