The Jeff Red Devils faced off against the Marauders of Mt. Vernon (Fortville) in the semi finals of the Kokomo holiday tournament this afternoon. Jeff came in as a slight favorite after knocking off a good Warren Central team yesterday. The Devils have been playing better as of late after losing 2 of their first 3 games on the season. Mt. Vernon was once again without their 2026 Indiana all star candidate Luke Ertl. Jeff has their own Indiana all star candidate in 2025 6'8 Tre Singleton and numerous good pieces surrounding him. This group of 2025 Red Devils have been together since grade school and have been building with this class for a while. Tre, PJ Douglas, Michael Cooper, Shawn Boyd, and Ray Laird make up 2025 group for the Red Devils who all see significant playing time. After clinging to a small lead the entire game Jeff took control in the 3rd quarter to hang on to a 58-52 win.

● 6'8 Tre Singleton was a co-leader in scoring for the Devils with 16 pts and 8 rbs. Tre has grown by leaps and bounds from when I first coached against him in 7th grade. He handles the ball well enough for his size and I've seen him step out and hit perimeter jumpers. At this point he's nearly unstoppable once he gets the ball inside with good position. I'm not sure Tre knows how dominant he could be in terms of being more aggressive and taking over games. Once he realizes that he could very well lead the Devils on a nice long run come March. Tre is a willing passer and can find the open cutter or outside shooter when doubled. There is still another level up Singleton can go to and I expect it to happen within the next year and a half.

● 6'4 junior point/ wing/ stretch 4 PJ Douglas is a little bit of everything in one player. He can break you off the dribble, he can use his body to back down low, he can distribute and find the open guy. He is really as tough a mismatch you will find at the high school level. The 5-6 foot push shot is his go-to right now as is his 8-10 foot jumper. Douglas finishes with both hands at a high clip so there's nothing you can take-away when guarding him. His next progression is a more consistent 3 pt shot that when allowed, he will for sure master. Crossroad coaches need to be on the phone to Coach Wilkerson about Douglas asap. He co-led the Devils with 16 pts

● 6'4 junior Michael Cooper may end up become the best next level prospect for the Devils. While Tre and PJ deservedly get alot of love, Coop is a legit 6'3 (6'4 with the hair) and is a natural 2 guard that can play some point. He shoots from outside at a high clip and when aggressive gets to the basket and finishes. As the season moves along and into next year, the confidence level should go up for Cooper and that's when College coaches should start taking notice. He is a diamond that could be the key to this Red Devil team. When Cooper gives Jeff 14- 15 points, they suddenly become a different level team. When all 3 are scoring and confident at a high rate, they are a top 10 team in the state and will make a run at semi state down south. Michael could score 20+ a game but with PJ and Tre, he defers for better shots, but he is capable.

● 6'0 sophomore guard Julien Smith scored at a high rate for rhe Marauders today. In fact, he almost led them to a comeback win. Smith looks like a future college prospect despite only standing 6'0. He led MV with a game high 19 pts. Smith shoots very well from the perimeter and is quick and strong enough to finish at the rim. Smith also was very smart and patient with Jeff's zone defense throughout the game. He doesnt get sped up and plays at his own pace. MV has a very strong sophomore class and will make a strong case as being the 2026 state title favorites. We are still 2 years away from that, but they are very good now. They should contend with Greenfield Central, Anderson, and Richmond in a brutal sectional. Smith and 6'5 classmate R'mani Wells are big reasons why they want to compete for titles now rather than later.

Jeffersonville faces off against top 10 Kokomo tonight in their building for the title. 6'8 Tre Singleton v. 6'9 Mr. Basketball Favorite and Kansas-signee should be worth the price of admission. This is a chance for both teams to send a message throughout the state that they should be mentioned among the top teams in the state.

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