Jeffersonville boys - (Updated 4/8) Coach Matt Pait has been fired at Jeff. Coach Pait went 20-25 during his time with the Red Devils. Last year's squad went 8-14. Jeff now looking at hiring their sixth coach since 2005. Plenty coming in on this one from multiple Varsity Clubbers. The consensus is that Jeff will seek a big time name, and that expectations far outweigh what Jeff can actually bring to the table talent-wise in the near future. Some of the specific insight Varsity Clubbers close to the program have offered-up: "This one will be marked" only the brave should apply". What a mess at JHS. This job has the worst combination of unrealistic expectations, meddling parents, hanger's on, and clueless administration I have ever seen. Only one of their own has a chance to be successful." Another offers this insight: "Make no mistake, they want a BIG time name. Jeff is re-doing their facilities this off season complete with an endzone glass encased press area with TV and radio. They want, expect, and plan to be BIG TIME! The new coach will be given the facilities, the contract, the schedule...and...THE PRESSURE! All of that without the #1 thing, the talent...New Albany and Coach Shannon will continue to dominate that sectional for foreseeable future. Good Varsity Clubber reports returning players: Anthony Southers (SR/C). 6'5. 5.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg. Cam Northern (JR/F). 6'3. 2.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg. Demaree Sims (SR/G). 6'0. 7.5 ppg, 2.5 apg. Michael Minton (JR/F) 6'4. 3.4 ppg. All four started some games. Role players for the most part...no Division 1 players. Three promising freshmen also saw varsity action. Schedule: Hoosier Hills Conference. Southport, Reitz, Harrison, Bosse, Castle, Louisville schools (Ballard, Trinity and Manual). Varsity Clubber also reports A.D. would like to have new coach in place by end of the school year (June 10). Coach Pait issued a statement that underscores what others are reporting: "I appreciate the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. I want to thank Julie Straight and Todd Satterly for giving me that opportunity and for backing me throughout the process. I want to thank my players for giving 100 percent in everything they did and for working hard to get better every day. "From the day I got hired I said our goal was to get better every day and to succeed in the classroom and we did that. I am proud to say that every senior that has played under me is continuing their education and working towards their college degree. The real joy in coaching is helping kids be better people and helping prepare them to be successful in life and I can say without a doubt that we were successful in that area. "I want to thank my coaching staff for their hard work and dedication. I want to thank my wife, parents, family and close friends for their unwavering support. I want to thank the Booster Club for their support of the program. I also want to thank the loyal fans who have continued to support the program throughout the years and will continue to do so in the future. "The decision by the administration to move on in a different direction completely blindsided me and is very disappointing. There were unfair and unrealistic expectations on our team and program. From the day I was hired I was told it is not about winning and losing, but doing things the right way on and off the court. I am absolutely confident as a coaching staff and team we did things the right way on and off the court, and in the classroom. "In the end, however, I realize at a 4A school like Jeffersonville it is only about winning. I am disappointed I was not given the chance to finish the job I started. I wish the next coach and the players good luck and I hope that the program is successful in the future." Looks like I can see the red flags waving all the way from Indy...
