By GREG MENGELT

It’s not been the start to the season the Jeffersonville Red Devils expected, but they’re certainly making news.

Jeff (1-2) has lost two straight after entering the season in the state’s top 10 and starting with a 61-47 win over Evansville North. The Devils have been without star senior Will Lovings-Watts all season and without head coach Andrew Grantz in last Friday’s loss at Seymour.

Both Grantz and Lovings-Watts are expected to be out for Friday’s showdown with defending Class 3A state champion Silver Creek (2-2).

Grantz was hospitalized last week with an unknown illness but is expected to return early next week. He said he’s on the mend and nearing full health.

Grantz said Thursday that Lovings-Watts said he believes he will have Lovings-Watts “some time over Christmas Break.”

JEFF OPENS TOURNEY MONDAY IN LOUISVILLE

The Red Devils the Mac’s Childcare Holiday Classic at Louisville Western on Monday against DeSales (2-4) at 6 p.m.

Jeff will face either host Western (6-1) or DuPont Manual (7-0) in Tuesday’s second round.

The other side of the bracket features PRP (4-1), Waggener (3-3), St. Xavier (3-2) and Southern (3-1). The final round will take place Wednesday at Pleasure Ridge Park.

Jeff is the only team from Indiana in the event.