1.0The News Journalhttps://qa.thenewsjournal.netrich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="mBOg7IwlMG"><a href="https://qa.thenewsjournal.net/2018-19-high-school-basketball-preview/">2018-19 High School Basketball Preview</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://qa.thenewsjournal.net/2018-19-high-school-basketball-preview/embed/#?secret=mBOg7IwlMG" width="600" height="338" title="“2018-19 High School Basketball Preview” — The News Journal" data-secret="mBOg7IwlMG" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! 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Hounds will still be dangerous without Taylor and Stewart By: Trent Knuckles The post Andrew Taylor era for Corbin Redhound basketball will be an opportunity for some new leaders to step forward on a team so closely identified by one of the best players to ever wear a Corbin uniform. Taylor, who led the team to a Region 13 title and trip to the Sweet 16 last year, was an incredibly skilled 28-ppg scorer who served as floor general for the Redhounds, and who was in the mix for the honor of Mr. Basketball. Also missing will be Chandler Stewart, a Lexington Christian Academy transfer who played his senior season at Corbin, and averaged 16.7 ppg. “Chandler and Andrew were outstanding players and did a lot more than just score the basketball, so replacing them will be no easy task,” said Corbin head coach Tony Pietrowski, who has guided the Redhounds to four Sweet 16 appearances. Corbin is coming off a 26-8 season where they lost in the second round of the state tournament to Scott County. “We have some seniors really rising to the challenge, and the entire team is excited about the opportunities in front of them.” The team’s most obvious go-to player for leadership will be senior guard Chase Sanders, a 12.6 ppg scorer who looked absolutely brilliant, at times, in games for the Redhounds. Other games, he played more of a supporting role for Taylor and Stewart. Junior Matthew Taylor, a multi-position player who averaged nearly 8 ppg last season, will be asked to contribute more this year. Pietrowski also points to a bevy of others players being looked to for leadership: A trio of seniors Cameron Maguet, Brody Barton and Jacob Unthank, along with junior forward Alex Byrley. Players that saw limited action last year — like junior Grant Morton and Maxwell Barnett — have opportunities to contribute. “Couple that with some of the new faces to our program, and it should be fun to watch,” Pietrowski said. The coach praises what he considers his team’s versatility, which should allow for varying styles of play; up-tempo when need be, or slower, more “possession oriented” type of games which become more common in tournaments. “We have a lot of kids that can play at a variety of positions effectively,” Pietrowski said. “We should be able to stretch out teams as everyone has the ability to play out on the floor.” Pietrowski said he thinks the schedule will provide a good number of stern tests that will ready his team for district and region tournament play. The Redhounds kick off the season with Cordia in the Nissan Classic at North Laurel December 1. The annual Cumberland Falls Invitational Classic is stacked with talented teams, including Clay County, North Hardin and Floyd Central. The Redhonds will take part in the Smokey Mountain Classic, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. And the addition of the Class 2A state tournament this year should prove challenging as well. “Our expectations don’t really change, year to year,” Pietrowski said. “We want to be the best we can be in the classroom and community. We practice and prep with those things in mind.” “We are very excited about this season for our team and program,” he added. “Most feel like we are in the middle of the pack in regards to a trip to Rupp. This is nice fuel for our team and I feel we will be back in the mix come post season.” Lady Hounds should benefit from increased depth and experience By: Trent Knuckles At the start of last season, first year Corbin Lady Redhounds coach Isaac Wilson knew he had a team in rebuilding mode. His squad ended with an 8-23 record. But there were moments of promise. Wilson said he’s seeing that effort start to pay dividends already this year for a team he believes is starting to become more confident in its abilities. “Last year, we were able to get a lot of girls some playing time, and it gave them some experience,” Wilson said, in hindsight. “I thought we improved as the season went on. Going through the summer, and now that we’ve been in conditioning and were able to get a few scrimmages in, I totally see the confidence from that experience starting to show.” Preseason scrimmages have shown potential. The Lady Redhounds lost to Somerset, but routed Pineville in an improved effort. Wilson said he feels the team is blessed with players who are fairly comfortable at multiple spots on the floor. Senior forward Jadyn Robertson, a returning starter, brings a lot to table. She was a solid performer on the court, particularly grabbing rebounds for the Lady Redhounds. “She’s just more comfortable this year, I can tell. She got a ton of confidence and it’s really exciting to see her potential,” Wilson said. “She’s a good leader in the classroom and on the court.” Senior center Britnee Barnett is an energetic low post presence for the team who “does all the little things that might go unnoticed…” “She’s got a real high motor and she’s always giving you maximum effort,” Wilson said. After taking her sophomore and junior years off because of back-to-back ACL injuries, senior forward Harleigh Grubb will be back in uniform, and Wilson said he thinks she will be a significant contributor, particularly off the bench. “She brings a style of aggressiveness that will be good for our younger girls,” Wilson said. “We are excited to have her back. I think she will really contribute something big to our team. She’s playing really well.” Junior guard Hannah Medlin is also expected to be a big factor for the team this year. Wilson said he feels his squad can easily go nine to 10 deep off the bench, so the plan is to put pressure on opponents by forcing a fast […]