By MIKE HUTSELL
Tom Horn likes the things that he sees from the Jeffersonville boys’ basketball team this season.
“This is a real solid group of basketball players,” said Horn on Friday night before taking his seat courtside at William S. Johnson Arena. “They’re fun to watch.”
If ever an expert existed on Red Devil boys’ basketball, it may be Horn.
A former player at JHS, Horn is the oldest living former Red Devil — having played at Jeff before graduating in 1931.
Since then, he has still been a mainstay at Jeff High games. Ask him how long he’s held season tickets, Horn could only guess.
“Over 50 years I’d say,” Horn said. “I don’t miss many. When they’re at home and the weather is good enough, I’m going to be here.”
On Friday night against Bedford North Lawrence, Jeff paid tribute to Horn by introducing him during the homecoming festivities at halftime. Horn helped crown the homecoming king and queen to Toba Omotinugbon and Shelby York respectively.
“Tonight’s not really about me,” Horn said about the honor. “Homecoming is for the kids. I appreciate being here and being a part of it. But I want the kids to enjoy the night.”
Horn’s career at Jeff was capped by a senior season in which the Red Devils went 17-0 — holding arch-rival New Albany without a field goal in a 17-5 victory during the regular season. The season though ended in disappointment as Jeff was suspended from postseason play by the IHSAA for violation tied to reported recruiting of two players.
Since then, Horn has made Jeff his home — witnessing all the highs and lows of his beloved program from his cozy courtside seat opposite the opposing team’s bench.
Horn says this year’s group is playing well despite some tough breaks with the schedule. Jeff escaped an upset bid by BNL Friday by forcing overtime on Kegan Clark’s last second 3-pointer before prevailing, 64-60 to improve to 11-4 on the season.
“The teams we’ve lost to, they’ve all been pretty good,” Horn said. “This is an athletic, fun team to watch. I think they can have a real nice season. I look forward to watching.”
