Michael Cooper added 15 points, hitting one 3-pointer and going 6-for-6 from the free throw line. The Wright State-signee was quick to point out just how far the Red Devils have come in the last three seasons, which included the 95-45 loss to Indianapolis Cathedral in the 2022-23 opener at Johnson Arena.
“ Our first game with Coach Wilk we lost by 50 and now our last game together, we win state,” the 6-foot-3 senior guard said.“ It’ s just surreal. That last play for us just goes back to our practices. Coach always harps on slot diving and, funny enough, that’ s what won us a state championship. For Tre to make that pass in the clutch, and Elijah to finish, was just huge. Like I’ ve said before, Tre is my Mr. Basketball.”
The state championship trophy was not the only hardware Jeffersonville picked up Saturday night. After the game, Shawn Boyd was named the winner of the prestigious Arthur L. Trester Mental Attitude Award.
“ It means everything to me,” the 5-10 senior guard said.“ Every day, I just try to put my best foot forward, whether it’ s on the court or in the classroom. I really did this for my brother, he strengthened me. He passed away a little bit ago. I know he would be here today.”
Early on, Fishers’ unrelenting pressure bothered Jeff a bit, forcing four Red Devil turnovers as the Tigers led 11-8 at the first stop.
“ Offensively and defensively, they make it really tough to make plays when it counts,” Wilkerson said.“ We challenged our guys all week to make tough plays under pressure. I think that’ s what the game came down to— making tough plays.”
The Red Devils settled down in the second quarter and grabbed control of the game. Singleton and Boyd combined for 17 points, on 7 of 7 shooting, in the period to power their team to a 30-24 halftime lead.
“ I was shooting it well in warmups and felt good tonight,” said Boyd, who hit two 3-pointers in the second quarter and finished 3-for-3 from long range.“ My teammates got me the ball when I was open and, fortunately, I was able to knock down some shots.”
Leading 36-34 early in the third period, four Red Devils scored in a 9-2 run that
14 JEFFERSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVILS | BASKETBALL | IHSAA 4A STATE CHAMPS 2025 NEWS AND TRIBUNE