By GREG MENGELT
The Pioneers defeated the Devils 48-45 Friday with a strong defensive effort and some timely baskets. Their first win at Jeffersonville since 2008 is the Hoosier Hills Hoops Win of the Week.
It’s Providence’s second straight win over Jeff overall.
“We were very pleased with our boys effort and execution of the gameplan for a complete game,” Providence’s third-year coach Ryan Miller said. “We have let a few big games get away from us this season, which continue to motivate us to improve. It was great to see the boys grow up some and finish out the game better. All of our assistant coaches prepared the team well. The players trusted in each other, played as one unit on both ends of the floor. They communicated and played with a sense of urgency on defense and the boards, and they valued and shared the ball on offense. Those were our keys to the game.”
The Red Devils are now 2-7 but it’s a Jeff team that had huge expectations coming into the season. Jeff still believes it can overcome the early stumbles and have postseason success, like it did last year when it won a sectional title after six regular-season losses.
“This is a very talented Jeffersonville team with a good coaching staff,” Miller said. “We recognize that Jeff is finally getting their full team back for this season and coming off a pause, both of which are challenges. However, they can be a top tier team that competes to repeat a 4A sectional title. We respect how good they can be, so feel very fortunate to get this win.”
The 10-3 Pioneers, who beat Crawford County 56-18 on Tuesday night, hosts Henryville (4-7) win Friday and Rock Creek (5-5) on Saturday this week.
“Hopefully our boys continue to gain belief in their potential and understand what is required of them to play and win at a high level, namely extreme communication and a sense of urgency, along with confidence and trust in each other to let the ball find the open man. We need to build off the positives, stay hungry and improve so we can reach our goals,” Miller said.
