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.

All photos by Madison Pritchard and Kirk Owen.

by Gabby Watkins

As the 6-2  girls’ basketball team comes off a 46-30 win over Bedford North Lawrence and prepares to face Columbus East Saturday, players and coaches have expressed  their goals and wishes for this  season.  

“My primary goal as a coach is building relationships, although winning games is fun. Relationships has always been a huge reason why I coach, I want to instill confidence in players, I want to be someone they can rely on, whether it’s to vent or to get help with homework. I coached my first group of girls when I was a junior in high school and I still talk to some players who were on that team who are now seniors. I love the game of basketball, but being able to watch players achieve things inside and outside of the sport is something I love. I want to be one of their biggest fans on and off the court.”  Coach Morgan Austin 

“My goal on the team is to win the basketball season and be more of a team.”  Sophomore Maliyah Poindexter   

“To rebound and play my role and do it correctly so we can win and have confidence in myself.” Junior Kiya Boatwright 

“To become a leader on and off the court.”  Freshman Mya Corbin

“To have confidence in myself, to help the team and I get down on myself a lot.”  Junior Ahleeyah  Brown 

“To be the best teammate I can be.” Senior Ava Scott

“Get better confidence, build more friendships.” Sophomore Egypt Whitehead

“Make sure we  have a family culture and and and fun environment for the younger generation.” Senior Katie Lawrence  

“Gain more confidence get close with my upperclassmen.” Freshman Jazlynn Bryant 

“I think my primary goal on the basketball team is to be a voice on the court, play the role of good defense, and help hold myself and others accountable to better each other.” Sophomore  Lila Schurr  

“My primary goal on the team is to fill my part by playing defense, controlling the pace on the court, making sure people are in the right places for a play and also getting to the goal and rebounding.” Junior Kelis Dansby 

“That we win sectional and state.” Sophomore  Alyviah Lewis-Redd 

Photos by Madison Pritchard, Kirk Owen and Stella Siewert

All photos by Ifrah Daber and Andrea Campbell.

Readers can learn more on the history of Taylor High School by examining Greta Reel’s May, 2020 Hyphen story.

Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as JHS media and other student organizations examine the history and legacy of Jeffersonville’s Taylor High School.