All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad. Click on each photo in the gallery below.
JHS defeats Floyd Central 72-54 to advance in sectional play
Tag: sectional
Red Devils begin sectional play tonight against Floyd Central
by Austin Bainbridge
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.
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.
Red Devils battle Castle tonight as they begin sectional play next week
by Austin Bainbridge
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.
“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.
New Albany defeats JHS in volleyball sectional
All photos by Malachi Conrad.
Senior Riley Dobson and the Red Devils head into sectional play against New Albany
by Reese Dobson
Senior Riley Dobson takes her first serve of the season on the Jeff volleyball court. And tonight, she and her Red Devil teammates battle New Albany in sectionals.
Dobson is in her ninth year of volleyball, this being her last. ¨My personal goal of the season would probably be to improve as a setter and be good at the serving line,¨ she said.
Dobson attends an IUS teaching program for the first half of her day, follows up with three classes at school, and then attends volleyball practice.
“I make sure I put school before sports and always make sure to represent the volleyball program highly while at school,” stated Dobson.
It’s important to come to practice with a good attitude even when youve had a long day, she explained.
Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe is in his fourth and last year of coaching Dobson. “She understands there is a certain way for things to be done, and she is always trying to evolve and be better as a player.”
Dobson has type 1 diabetes. This affects her everyday life, including volleyball. Dobson’s teammate, junior Mattie Barker, also has type 1 diabetes. This creates a shared bond between the two players.
“Both of us having diabetes is helpful because we can help each other with our blood sugar and look out for each other while playing,” said Barker.
Dobson balances a lot in her everyday life, but always puts her best foot forward when it comes to volleyball.
On the court, Dobson usually plays the libero or a backrow position. Recently, she has had to step up and play the setter position.
“The most challenging thing I have faced while playing high school volleyball is probably switching from libero position to setter position because that’s what the team needed,” Dobson explained.
Dobson has said that the team has a very good and close bond. “I am going to miss Riley so much when she graduates because she is one of my best friends on and off the court. She is my pepper partner and who I look up to and go to for help,” Barker said.
“Riley has improved throughout these four years, and she has learned to play every position. Libero, setter, and I think even accidentally a middle hitter one time,” Briscoe joked.
Dobson said she has learned that volleyball is always a team sport and you have to do what’s best for your team.
Dobson has played volleyball all her life, along with other sports. She said that she began playing volleyball in elementary school and just stuck with it because she had so much fun playing.
“I have learned that you really have to work for what you want and that not everything is handed to you; showing up does matter.”
Dobson said that being present at every practice, game, and tournament has helped her learn to be a better, reliable player.
“The most enjoyable thing about playing with Riley is having her push me and help me be my best on and off the court,” Barker said.
Dobson’s team goal for this season is to put a good game up with rival team New Albany and hopefully pull out a win.
“I really am proud of this team and hope that we can have a good season and show everyone how hard we have worked.”
Boys’ soccer prepares for sectional
by Aubrey Cummings
Pushing themselves as hard as they can for the 80 minutes that the match lasts. Heads up and hearts pounding every touch of the ball sends it moving across the field. With a shared goal, getting the ball into the net, the team moves as a unit across the field.
Ranked 36th in the state and 27th in their class, the varsity boys’ soccer team is moving along in their season.
Currently they are 12-3-1 and are second in the Hoosier Hills Conference for varsity and are 7-5-2 for JV. As the end of their season begins to approach for both teams they all begin to prepare for sectionals, with a normal goal of wanting to win sectionals and advance to regionals.
Head varsity coach Collin Bell explained, “It’s all about the game that is happening. One game at a time, one set of 80 minutes. If we push ourselves for those 80 minutes and commit ourselves for those 80 minutes, we will be successful.”
This was shown in their game against Franklin this year. The team had many teams cut from their schedule and many new ones added. They have faced tougher teams than they normally would. They do this to better themselves and to allow for them to be better prepared for the competition at the end.
“It’s all about the game that is happening. One game at a time, one set of 80 minutes. If we push ourselves for those 80 minutes and commit ourselves for those 80 minutes, we will be successful.”
Head Coach Collin Bell
“I think it’s a great change because it allows for us to adjust to playing new teams that we haven’t seen before, so it is a good way for us to test ourselves against teams that are considered better teams,“ said junior Alan Solorzano Lopez.
The varsity team isn’t the only one beginning to prepare for sectionals. Six of the JV members have the opportunity to go with the varsity boys to the sectional games.
“Knowing there’s a chance for us to go with the varsity team to sectionals encourages us on JV to push ourselves harder to show we are the best to try and claim our spots,” stated freshman JV member Dominic Cummings.
Doing this allows for younger boys to know what they may have the chance to experience in the near future. This allows for the program to continue to grow. The future also depends on some of the varsity boys as well as the JV.
“The pressure feels greater not just because I am a goalie, but also because I am a freshman, so I am representing more than just my varsity team but also my classmates on JV,” said varsity freshman Jafet Benitez-Rubio.
Benitez-Rubio is not just on the varsity team; he is the starter goalie as a freshman. This is significant every, and everyone knows it. The student section in games makes sure everyone knows by cheering “He’s a freshman” whenever he stops a ball from going in.
The team’s spirits are high as ever. The team feels confident and are preparing to have a different outcome than last year where they lost in the final round to Seymour.
The Red Devils play Jennings County next Monday in the opening round of sectionals at Floyd Central High School at 7 p.m.
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