Sports – Page 14

Red Devils face New Albany this Tuesday in busy week of Southern Indiana basketball

by Austin Bainbridge

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.

7 Feb 20259 Feb 2025 by jhshyphen

An inside look at the struggle, accomplishments of wrestling

Senior Ben Land wrestles his opponent in November. Land advanced to Semi-State after this weekend’s Regionals and is the 285-lb weight class champion. Photo by Kirk Owen.

by Ifrah Daber

With the JHS wrestling season soon coming to an end, now is the time to better understand what goes into wrestling, be it the accomplishments, the struggle, and what goes into the sport both physically and mentally.

The Red Devils had 14 qualifiers in this weekend’s Regionals for male wrestlers at Johnson Arena. Both Ben Land and Aiden Stellato advanced to Semi-State.

It’s also the first year where girls’ wrestling is recognized as its own sport with a state tournament by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Senior Kaylea Beauchamp was a state runner-up in the inaugural event.

“Wrestling means to struggle,” said coach Danny Struck when asked about some of the initial hurdles that come with wrestling. The mantra is repeated by members of the team and other coaches.

He spoke of the struggle to control one’s food intake and mental fight to stay in their weight class. His fellow coaches, Evan Myers and Joe Somerville, shared these sentiments.

Myers said, “Physically and mentally, it’s one of the most difficult sports.”

There are difficulties that come with any sport, but with how contact-heavy and the lack of teammates that can be on a mat, wrestling distinguishes itself with how steep of a learning curve newcomers must climb.

“Physically and mentally, it’s one of the most difficult sports.”
Wrestling coach Evan Myers

Myers also said, “The biggest gap is getting through the first week.”

But Somerville stated that even though it could be intimidating at first, over time it gets easier.

“It’s very difficult at first, but once they do it, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Discipline” and “struggle” are words that come up often for every sport, but for wrestlers, it seems to be a part of everything they do.

“Discipline is most of wrestling,” stated senior wrestler Montana Northern. He spoke of the discipline to watch his diet so he can keep weight, as well to train and get stronger.

Land, a two-time Regional champion with over 100 career wins, also spoke of discipline in training.

“You have to show up every day,” he stated about coming to practice and giving his all in practice.

Despite all the struggles that come with wrestling, from daily training to tumbling drills, conditioning, and hours of practice, many wrestling team members spoke highly of the experience of being on the team.

Senior Venus Plamp, who wrestles for the girls’ team, specifically spoke of the community that wrestling brings being one of their favorite aspects.

“The second you step into the wrestling room, boom, you have a family.”

Liking that sense of family and community given through wrestling was a sentiment that many shared.

Beauchamp spoke highly of the people on the team, and described “the mano a mano” of wrestling being a good way to reflect on herself as a wrestler and a person.

“It makes you sit down with yourself,” Beauchamp stated, saying being alone on the mat distinguishes wrestling from other sports, along with the discipline that it takes to do that self-reflection.

One season highlight was girls’ wrestling finally being recognized as its own sport statewide.

Plamp and Beauchamp both spoke for the girls’ team of the opportunity and excitement this brought them.

“It is a lot of excitement for the girls’ team,” stated Plamp.

Somerville also spoke of the growth of the girls’ team and the support that the boys’ team has given them. He even stated that, to him, one of the largest accomplishments of the year was that at sectionals the girls’ team wrestled their best of all time.

Girls’ wrestling has always been competing, but now they have more opportunities, more recognition, and more fellow women wrestlers to compete against.

With the season coming to an end, the wrestling team will be looking for new people to join. The team is extremely open for people to come and check out what they do, even if it’s just watching for the first time. From the physical benefits, to the discipline one can find, Myers’ final regards to those who wish to join is,

“Once you’ve wrestled, everything else is easy.”

Additional reporting by Sarah Baloucoune.

The boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams pose with their first-place trophy for Fern Creek Gladiator Tournament. Photo by Brian Juarez.

31 Jan 202513 Mar 2025 by jhshyphen

Fast Feature: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far this season?

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.

Junior Maizy Smith waits for a rebound from a free throw during the Jeff game against Cathedral in November. The Red Devils won 49-39. They face Evansville North in a non-conference game at home tomorrow at 5 p.m. Photo by Madison Pritchard.

“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

24 Jan 202524 Jan 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils defeat Center Grove 75-45 in winter homecoming game

Update: JHS defeated Center Grove 75-45 in William S. Johnson Arena.

by Austin Bainbridge

Senior Michael Cooper faces off with Floyd Central’s Isaac Kaiser on Jan. 17. The Highlanders were up 12-6 in the first quarter, but JHS won the game 92-54. The Red Devils are 2-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference. They play Center Grove this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Kirk Owen.

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.

Junior Elijah Cheeks brings the ball up the court during the JHS game against Providence on Saturday. The Highlanders won 41-29 and will play Center Grove this Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at home. Photo by Sophia Goforth.

23 Jan 202524 Jan 2025 by jhshyphen

Senior Kaylea Beauchamp competes in Indiana’s first girls’ state wrestling finals, represents JHS as state runner-up

Update, Friday Night: Kaylea Beauchamp is the 2025 IHSAA Inaugural Girls’ State 135-lb Runner-Up.

Update, 4:06 p.m.: Senior Kaylea Beauchamp has advanced to the Final Four and is two wins away from a state title.

Update, 1 p.m.: Senior Kaylea Beauchamp advanced to the medal round in today’s state wrestling finals with a 2:37 pin.

by Ifrah Daber

Meet Kaylea Beauchamp, a senior athlete on the girls’ wrestling team, a Lady Devil wrestler, and regional champion that represents Jeff High in the inaugural IHSAA girls’ state tournament today.

Senior Kaylea Beauchamp competes against her Marion C. Moore High School opponent in December. Beauchamp competes today in the first IHSAA girls’ state wrestling finals. Photo by Brian Cardoza.

Beauchamp started wrestling in middle school. She was the only girl in a group of boys, making it difficult; thoughts of quitting came to her mind. She speaks of the struggle and overthinking that could come from comparing herself to the boys on her team.

“I know it’s a lot of overthinking when it comes to wrestling because you see the boys wrestling how they are, they’re nowhere near the girls. Girls wrestling is totally different, but we aren’t soft.”

Despite these challenges, she still recommended that other women try out for wrestling, stating that there are benefits that come with wrestling, from discipline to friendships.

“It teaches you far more about discipline than just getting on the mat and trying to dominate someone. It helps you gain friends, and it’s a really bonding time.”

All this discipline has paid off for Beauchamp, as she is now taking Jeff High to the first IHSAA girls’ state tournament finals today. She spoke on the feeling of representing the school at such a large event.

“It’s always fun to represent something and seeing how proud everyone is.”

JHS showed great pride in her indeed, from signing a piece of paper wishing her luck to having her teammates attending the tournament for support.

Senior Kaylea Beauchamp competes today in the inaugural IHSAA state girls’ wrestling final. Photo by Brian Cardoza.

17 Jan 202518 Jan 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils defeat Evansville North 68-44, will face Seymour this Friday

All photos by Madison Pritchard and Kirk Owen.

AFJROTC march to present the colors before the national anthem at the beginning of the JHS-Evansville North basketball game on Dec. 6. Photo by Madison Pritchard.

12 Dec 202419 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Fast Feature: What is your primary goal on the girls’ basketball team? What is your primary goal as a coach on the basketball team?

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.

Sophomore Alyviah Lewis-Redd stands on the free throw line as the Red Devils face Cathedral High School on Saturday, Nov. 30. JHS won 49-39. They also defeated Hoosier Hills rival Bedford North Lawrence 46-30 Tuesday night. Photo by Madison Pritchard.

“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

10 Dec 202417 Jan 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils beat Cathedral Saturday night as Homecoming royalty is crowned

Photos by Madison Pritchard, Kirk Owen and Stella Siewert

Freshman MaKenna Taylor eyes the net during the girls’ basketball game against Cathedral on Nov. 30. The game kicked off an afternoon of basketball last Saturday, as both the girls’ and boys’ varsity teams played and defeated Cathedral. Photo by Madison Pritchard.

2 Dec 20245 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Red Devils begin season of high expectations this weekend

by Austin Bainbridge

Head coach Sherron Wilkerson sits at his desk, planning practices and workouts and developing ways to help players improve. During the offseason, Wilkerson has to put in a lot of effort to maintain one of Indiana’s best high school teams.

“To win a state championship as a team we must be disciplined and mentally tough,” said Wilkerson.

JHS has a tough schedule and has high expectations from players and coaches alike this season, but the players aren’t concerned about the pressure.

“I’m not worried about the competition; our coaches have given us everything we need to win,” said freshman Cornelius Weobong.

The coaches help the players improve, but the players know to get better they have to work on their own time to meet the expectations they’ll face this season.

“I work out with the team, but I also do pushups every night. I also jump a lot to improve my vertical,” said varsity player and senior PJ Douglas.

“To win a state championship as a team we must be disciplined and mentally tough.”
Basketball Coach Sherron Wilkerson

This commitment is essential for the Red Devils, who are expected to contend for a state championship.

“This season is different because we are in contention for a state championship, and that’s huge for this team,” said Wilkerson.

The players have a good reason to believe in their skills, as they train intensely. The players know what’s at stake.

“I train hard seven days a week so that we can make and win a state championship,” said Weobong.

The confidence of everyone surrounding JHS, especially the fans, is high.

“I think they are going to win a state championship, and I’m excited to see it,” said English teacher David Kummer.

The hype for this team has very good reason, too. The coaches have helped the players get better since the final game of last year’s 20-8 season that ended in a 52-51 semi-state finals loss to Ben Davis.

“My coaches have really helped me improve my game by showing me what I need to work on,” said Weobong.

These players feel that confidence. They worked hard all summer and fall getting ready for the first game.

“Practice is a big part of what we do. It translates directly into games,” said Douglas.

The fans are also hoping to help this team out on the court

Kummer said, “Fans contribute to the team during the games with big crowds that can motivate this team to play better.”

This team’s hope for the season is sky-high, and they are ready to get on the court and meet those expectations.

“As a team, we put in the work, and are ready to back up the expectations,” said Douglas.

JHS faces Cathedral High School at home this Saturday; the boys’ and girls’ teams will play. The theme is “White Out,” and the fall Homecoming crowning postponed due to weather will take place at halftime of the boys’ varsity game.

27 Nov 20241 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Homecoming celebrated this weekend after several weeks of delays due to weather

by Shelby Keesee

At long last, after weeks of deferral, Jeff High’s long awaited Homecoming is set to take place this weekend.

Yet what is Homecoming – and why are we thrilled?

Homecoming is the celebration of school traditions and the highlighting of certain students whose goals are to become Homecoming King and Queen. Others may attend to commemorate JHS, dress fancily, or simply to socialize with peers while showing Red Devil spirit.

Poor weather conditions several weeks ago are to blame for the event’s delay. Storms producing heavy rains and weather warnings were present in the area prior to the original date.

After discussions with Student Council sponsor Natalie Woods, principal Pam Hall and the administrative team decided to postpone Homecoming to the first boys’ and girls’ basketball home game to give the courts their deserving recognition.

“We did not want to have our Homecoming court out there in their dresses or in their nice suits getting drenched, so we made the decision to look for an alternative date,” stated Hall.

Although Homecoming has been delayed, voter decisions have remained intact and up-to-date.

“The student population has already voted, so the first round of votes are for all those people who signed up that want to be on court or candidates, and then they are chosen by vote by their class,” stated Woods. “The second round of votes are just for the King and Queen, so the whole school gets to vote for the King and Queen of their choice.”

Results from the voting window have stayed exceptionally quiet, but the royalty and court members will be announced this Saturday night.

“We have 20 Homecoming court members. We have four duos of seniors – so we have four boys and four girls for seniors, and then we have two boys and two girls for each junior, sophomore and freshman classes,” said Woods. “Our seniors come make up the King and Queen candidates, and then our juniors, sophomores and freshmen make up what’s known as the Homecoming court.”

While attending Homecoming, JROTC Saber Team presentations are expected, along with a more formal ceremony where students are presented to JHS community members, staff and other students.

Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will play this Saturday; the theme is “White Out.”

26 Nov 202427 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen

Cheerleaders secure their bid to Nationals in Orlando

by Madison Pritchard

Jeff High Cheer has done it again. This marks the fourth year in a row that the team has gotten a bid to make their way to Nationals. They competed at the UCA Hoosier Hills Regional competition on Nov. 17 and received their bid to attend.

“I feel grateful and fortunate that we have been able to make it to Nationals for four years straight. I’m proud of my teammates for working hard the past six months. And I’m excited to make some more memories in Orlando,” stated senior cheerleader Violet Fondrisi, who competed at the regional.

The work doesn’t stop there, though. The cheerleading team still has a long season ahead of them.

“I take it one day at a time, and I think about how our hardest practices will only make us better,” Fondrisi said about their intense preparation.

The moment they received their bid was bittersweet, especially for the seniors on the team.

When asked about her goals for the season and Nationals, Fondrisi stated that she hopes the seniors are able to “enjoy one of (their) last experiences being a Jeff High cheerleader.”

Jeff High Cheer is hopeful for their season, and they plan to win big once they hit the mat in Orlando.

25 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen