An important HHC game took place on Friday night as the Jeffersonville Red Devils hosted the Bedford North Lawrence Stars. BNL came in with the better record while both teams received votes in the latest polls. Jeff has had the tougher schedule overall though and it showed tonight. The Devils were relentless on defense picking up full court and throwing waves of players at the Stars. BNL has capable ball handlers but Jeff's athletes just sped up the Stars all game. Combine that with Jr. All star candidate Tre Singleton scoring 10 right out of the gate in the 1st quarter and it was an uphill climb for BNL all night. The Stars kept it within single digits throughout the first half but slowly increased their lead in the 2nd. Jeff eventually pushed the lead up to 15, then that 15 became 20, and it was all over. Jeff showed fellow sectional 15 opponent BNL who the favorites in 5 weeks should be and sent a message to the rest of the sectional opponents that the Jeff Red Devils are just now hitting their stride.

● A big reason for the early lead was 6'8 Jeffersonville junior Tre Singleton. I have been waiting for Jeff to play through Singleton each time down the floor and the 1st half, Jeff did just that. If you do not double him, he is a very willing passer and finds the open man or cutters. BNL played him one on one and Tre spun and up and under'd his way to 10 first quarter points. Singleton even showed some range hitting an open 3. Something I noticed and was impressed with was his perimeter defense. He routinely stepped outside and did not allow smaller or quicker guys by him from up top. Tre is a legit Jr. All star candidate and I would expect him to be on one of the teams this coming June. Tre finsished with 22.

● 6'4 Red Devil guard Michael Cooper may just be the X factor for this team. The last month or so Mikey has really been on a tear hitting 3's, mid range jumpers, and getting to the rim. He has taken it to another gear since the summer and beginning of the season. He has great height for a 2 guard and can shoot with anyone in the area. Defensively he was anticipating passes and causing havoc (like the rest of the Jeff team tonight). Tre got it going in the first half but Coop got hot during the 2nd on his way to a 25 pt. game. Coop is making a real run for junior all star himself with his play lately.

● 6'4 forward PJ Douglas started out slow but once he saw a couple go in, he started to get himself going too. PJ is a strong 6'4 with a soft touch and light feet. He can spin and finish on either side. Douglas loves pulling up for that 5 ft. jumper but most of the time and bully his way down further for a lay in. BNL simple fid not have anyone for him and Tre tonight down low. Douglas finished with 12. When Jeff's Big 3 get going, they are very hard to stop for anyone south of Indy.

● 6'4 Bedford junior Patric Maston got in some early foul trouble and didn't have his usual stats in the first half but got it going in the 2nd. Matson is long and can tell is just now growing into his frame. With his length and size combined with shooting ability Matson will jump in some college coaches radar this summer while playing with EG10. His best ability right now is his 3 pt shot and I'd like to see him tighten up his handles during the off-season. Matson finished with  16.

Next up for the Devils is a trip to Center Grove on February 9th while BNL plays at home against Terre Haute North on Saturday night

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