Hyphen – Page 5

Youth not an obstacle for volleyball team

Red Devils face New Albany tonight

by Carter Glotzbach

This past year JHS girls’ volleyball had one of their best seasons yet, and with a solid start to this year’s season and rival New Albany visiting tonight, it’s clear that the young team is ready to grow up.

Head coach Wes Briscoe sees new potential for growth in this year’s team.

“This year’s team is one of my favorites, but it’s really hard to say how they stack up to last year considering how young they are. I also think that you’ll see some breakout seasons from new key players because they’re not having to wait behind older ones,” said Briscoe.

Managers like junior Ryder Lott agree with the head coach’s sentiment.

“I think the team is really young, but working with them I see a lot of potential in them,” said Lott.

While a younger team is usually viewed as a disadvantage, some see an opportunity. Assistant coach Mackenzie Wilkins said a younger team often provides best opportunity to teach new skills.

“A younger team is a gift, in my opinion, because they are much more willing to learn and try new things,” she said.

Junior Kaylee McDaniel states the team is unified despite the youth.

“I think our team is definitely younger, but we have a much stronger bond and are more willing to play as a team,” she said.

Junior Haliun Otgonbayar serves an ace during the JHS game against Rock Creek Academy. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

Junior Haliun Otgonbayar agrees that the Red Devils have an exceptionally strong connection this year.

“We definitely are a tighter knit group and have a closer bond with each other. I think that definitely makes us more dedicated to the team,” said Otgonbayar.

Coach Briscoe recognizes the team’s unity, stating, “I’ve seen it a lot during practice. This year’s team has a much stronger bond than last year’s, and they are definitely more willing to play as a team.”

Players will rely on these bonds as they face local competition this season.

“Some of our biggest competitors are always at the Providence tournament, and last year they gave us some great competition. This year I hope we can make it further than last year’s team, but we’re still really young,” said Briscoe.

The Red Devils understand the strength of their schedule.

“Providence is definitely a team to look out, for as well as New Albany, Charlestown and Floyd Central,” said McDaniel.

“I think that Floyd Central and New Albany are definitely the biggest competition that we have this year,” added Otgonbayar.

Coach Briscoe sees the possibility of break-out performances this season.

“I would keep an eye out for Kaylie Fuller,” he said. “She has shown a lot of potential in practice and could definitely be a high-level player with a few years of work. She’s a great practice player.”

Leadership from team veterans is expected as the volleyball team continues to play in the coming weeks.

“Jordyn Miller is a player I expect to do well this year. She’s a multi-sport athlete, but she’s definitely been working hard to earn her place on the team. Another player with good work ethic is Charlotte Hatfield — she has shown a lot of potential and worked hard in the off-season,” said Briscoe

The Red Devils huddle up before the game against Christian Academy. Photo by Logan Vidt.

Lott said consistent play will be important as the season continues.

“I see a lot of potential in the team offensively, but I think they need to work on their consistency. If they can keep it up throughout the sets then I think they could have a top tier offense.”

JHS faces New Albany at home tonight, and will visit North Harrison on Sept. 21 before hosting Floyd Central Sept. 29.

15 Sep 202615 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

JROTC uniforms reflect discipline, pride of cadets

by Raven Baker

The JHS Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program has its own sense of community and discipline.

Students train and test on military-related activities to help with starting a future in the military. Cadets also proudly wear their uniforms every Wednesday for a grade – they begin with the blues and can earn their ABU uniforms.

Cadets learn valuable life skills, teamwork, and leadership, which prepare them for both future military service and civilian life.

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant; Junior Wendy Rubio, Senior Master Sergeant; Col. Robert Benning; Junior Jocelyn Zarate, Junior Cadet Major; Junior Kameron Hayden, Cadet Second Lieutenant. Photo by Ashton Walcott.

Col. Robert Benning said uniforms are important to the tradition of the program.

“The purpose of school-issued uniforms for Junior Air Force cadets is to instill customs and courtesies, ensuring they learn to properly and proudly adhere to military standards,” said Benning. “The uniforms serve as a tool for education, preparing students for potential military careers by getting them familiar with regulations and expectations.”

Benning described several different uniform types.

“Students learn different uniform types like the OCP, which replicate active-duty wear. They also have their ABUs, which you earn with hard work put into the class.”

In addition, Benning said uniforms are tied to the grading system, “where older students grade younger ones on their uniform based on standards, which shows the importance of precision and regulation. The uniform is a key component in developing discipline and a sense of belonging within the JROTC program.”

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant

“I feel okay about the uniforms now that I’m more comfortable, though I was a bit self-conscious at first. It’s important for uniforms to be correct to set a good example for others. The uniform check is a bit lenient, but it’s preparing me for discipline.”

Junior Kameron Hayden, Cadet Second Lieutenant

“I find the uniforms comfortable, and they help me feel ready. It’s important to wear them correctly to show respect and be a good example. The uniform check is pretty simple, and it’s preparing me to be organized and disciplined.”

Junior Wendy Rubio, Senior Master Sergeant

“The uniforms aren’t bad, and I’m getting used to them; they help me with responsibility. It’s important to have them correct to show respect for the uniform and follow the rules. The uniform check requires a decent effort, and it’s preparing me for military experience and neatness.”

Junior Jocelyn Zarate, Junior Cadet Major

“The uniforms are not too bad, and I feel a bit competitive about them. Having them correct is important for assignment grades and helps me weekly. It prepares me for the future in the Air Force, and I’m part of JROTC for community service and field trips.”

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant

Benning said the JROTC program is a class to build up discipline and physically prepare students to be ready for the military, or help them start their future. The uniforms serve the purpose of giving encouragement to students on learning discipline and how to be neater, which are positive traits to obtain.

Benning wants his students to wear their uniform with pride, but also properly. The uniforms also serve as an educational tool. Students enjoy their uniforms knowing they’re the example for the underclassmen. They show respect to the purpose while also being comfortable.

All photos by Ashton Walcott.

15 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Jennings County 4-0 on Saturday

Red Devils improve to 8-1-1 this season

Photos by Reilly Davis.

Senior Adrian Turner and Senior Alan Lopez fight for the ball during warm-ups in their 4-0 win over Jennings County. The shut-out win helped the Red Devils improve their season record to 8-1-1. Photo by Reilly Davis.

15 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Digital Dispatch: Sept. 14, 2026

Senior Quentin Ross gets his hair cut by licensed barber Saffevell Ingram in the main hallway near the cafeteria. Ingram regularly visits JHS to offer haircuts during students’ lunch times. “I’ve been doing this for four years and I love being able to make people smile and feel good about themselves,” said Ingram. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.

14 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Seniors Jomall Owens and Jaelyn Hernandez crowned homecoming royalty on Friday

Photos by Malachi Conrad and Shelby Keesee.

Freshman homecoming court representatives David Bishop and Lailah Miller. Photo by Shelby Keesee.

14 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Kokomo defeats JHS 34-0 on Friday

Red Devils travel to Floyd Central this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad, Shelby Keesee, and Mason Ridge.

Senior Nation Roe-Mcbroom adjusts his helmet before the Red Devils’ game against the Kokomo Wildkats on Friday. Kokomo won 34-0. Photo by Shelby Keesee.

14 Sep 202615 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Floyd Central 3-1 last night

All photos by Parker McCloskey.

The Red Devils huddle together before the first half of their game against Floyd Central. JHS won 3-1 last night. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

11 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Christian Academy defeats JHS 3-0 Thursday night

All photographs by Logan Vidt.

The Red Devils line up for the national anthem before the game against Christian Academy last night. Photo by Logan Vidt.

11 Sep 202611 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Digital Dispatch Sept. 10, 2026

College and careers teacher and interventionist Angela Krueger works during fourth period on Thursday. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.

10 Sep 202617 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Beyond the title

Team captains practice positive leadership and encouragement

by Layney Derricott

When the game begins, captains are expected to be leaders. The ones who motivate and guide. But what happens behind the scenes? Every high school team captain is also a student balancing expectations along with responsibilities.

Being a captain is more than just the title; it’s about showing up and really showing how important leadership is.

Senior Mattie Barker, captain of the girls’ volleyball team, finds leadership fundamental.

“Leadership, to me, is something I find very important. I think of leadership as being the person on the team that everyone can trust and come to, either on the court or off. I think being the person on the court everyone looks to and comes to when they need encouragement is a very important quality,” said Barker.

Senior Mattie Barker celebrates the Jeffersonville point against Rock Creek. Barker said she encourages her volleyball teammates as a captain. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

Junior Cooper Spaulding, one of the football captains, said discipline is the key to guiding teammates, while being trusted and an encourager.

Spaulding also said keeping up a good front, checking on everyone, and being aware of their experiences, in addition to “keeping everyone in check separately, having to worry about how people will act to each other, while making sure they treat you with respect,” are key aspects of being a team captain.

Actions depend on the captain’s guidance to make sure every team member has their best demeanor. According to senior Abi Lemon, girls’ soccer captain, respect is something that’s earned.

“Being respected matters more than being liked. If you are respected, you’re liked. Respect is better to hold more authority,” said Lemon.

In addition, having the ability to be on everyone’s good side as well as holding strong authority is important, said senior football captain Jomall Owens, Jr.

“Making sure to keep a good look out, and take care of everyone. Also while being kind and keeping up my promise to practice what I preach,” he said.

While being a leader means looking out and supporting others, it also means staying positive and adjusting to challenging situations in specific situation, said senior soccer captain Alex Lopez.

“The Eastern game changed my look on leadership. We were down in the game, (graduate) Elijah Cheeks pulled me aside and told me take a new approach to leading my team. Be more positive along with calmer when speaking to them,” he stated.

Senior Alan Solorzano Lopez looks at Coach Colin Bell right before the first half of the Red Devils’ game against Franklin. The Red Devils won 6-0. Lopez said being calm is important as a leader. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

Supporting the team’s mindsets and rebuilding confidence while encouraging helps keep players focused and proud, said Barker.

“When I notice that one of my teammates has lost confidence, I like to start by saying uplifting comments to them while playing. Like ‘Hey, great dig’ or ‘Way to find the hole in the block,’ so they keep focusing on the good things they are doing. I also will tell them to take a second and regroup, keeping up a ‘goldfish’ mindset.”

Ultimately, a captain may wear the title, but true leadership is shown through actions. Leadership isn’t defined by the title or scoreboard — it’s defined by how JHS athletes support their teammates and respond to challenges.

10 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen