LOOKING BACK

 The Corbin Redhounds headed into the Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament with some momentum.

The Redhounds of Coach Tony Pietrowski went to 6-1 with a 77-58 win over Carter County, Tennessee Saturday at Gilliam Gym.

The game was very physical and I am sure left players with bumps and bruises. The Redhounds were led by Travis Smith with his 27 points and 11 rebounds. As has been true in almost every game Travis is bumped and banged all night, but he is tough and continues to lead his team and carry the battle to the opposition.

Zack Farley is getting better each game and his confidence is growing. Farley, and for that matter all of the Redhounds, are playing very aggressively.

This Redhound team has more quality depth than any Redhound team I can remember. Robbie Igo, Kyle West, Victor Berezutchi and Khoury Morris are counted on to do the heavy work in the paint, but they are already experiencing difficulty as West had to set out the Carter County game with an injury and Morris, who was coming on strong, had to have knee surgery. Coach P spoke very highly of Morris and how hard Khoury worked this year to get into shape and to make a significant contribution.

Morris lost ten pounds and was playing very hard, but surgery likely ended his season, but I am sure he will recover for next season.

Berezutchi has improved since day one and will only continue to get better under the leadership of Coach P.

Perimeter play for the Redhounds is plentiful with Smith and Farley, you also have senior Eric Jones and eighth grade standout Trevor Hill. Donnie Wilson is a very solid contributor. Players who can play inside or outside are led by a player who I feel will be vital to the team’s success and that is Hunter Grubb. Grubb is a strong, athletic young man who knows how to win. Joe Shelton is another player who is versatile enough to play inside or out. By March, this is going to be a very good Redhound team.

 Taylor’s coming to town

When Evangel Christian of Shreveport, Louisiana took the court Monday evening, former Redhound great Greg Taylor and his wife, Mickey, will be hoping to see their sons Trent and Trey lead Evangel to victory. Trent played an excellent game Monday night, scoring 21 points to lead his team past Jackson County. Evangel will play Corbin Wednesday night.

 All-State

Congratulations go out to Grant Grigsby on his selection to second team all-state, and to Brady Foley, as well who was honorable Mention all-state. Grant is a junior and Brady is a senior.

 First CFIT

The first Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament I remember attending was at the Edwards Gym (Middle School) in 1953 and Edwards Gym was full that evening, below and in the balcony.

Louisville Male was led by their great all-state player Kenny Kuhn. Adair County was a powerhouse that year with their outstanding players Ralph Shearer and Terry Randall. The Redhounds were led by Edd Selvy and Calvin Bird. A couple of other players I recall were Darrel Hart and Paul Engle. Selvy and Bird were terrific players.

As a matter of fact, a case could be made that these two players, Selvy and Bird, were the two best all-around athletes to every play at Corbin High School. That would certainly stir a bit of conversation with all the great athletes that walked the halls of Corbin High School.

Some of those names would be obvious, names like Leroy (Dusty) Yates, or Roy Kidd. Some names might surprise you like Jack Garrett. Put on your thinking cap and let me know your thoughts. Don’t forget the old timers.

 No ill effects

The University of Kentucky Wildcats seem to have suffered no ill effects of the loss to Indiana as they played well against UT Chattanooga except for Terrance Jones, who suffered a dislocated finger.

I think they should bandage his head instead of his fingers. I think it is his brain that is that is dislocated.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!!