LOOKING BACK

 This past weekend was rather eventful in the world of Corbin High School and the University of Kentucky athletics.

It began Friday evening with a Redhound loss to Prestonsburg (23-7) that eliminated the Hounds from the AA playoffs. I actually feel Corbin was the best team on the field and were well prepared by the coaching staff, unfortunately turnovers and failure to convert on fourth down tries (0-for-3) resulted in the end of the football season for the Redhounds.

A sad time for the seniors, and the end of the Caleb Watkins era. Caleb is a very special football player and certainly a legitimate candidate for Mr. Kentucky Football as the best player in the state.

On Saturday the Kentucky Wildcats of the John Caliperi era as opposed to the Billy Gillispie error, continued its work in progress by walloping Rider 92-63.

The weekend was highlighted by an all day high school basketball festival held at the David L. Williams Arena that spot-lighted 18 high school teams from all around the state.

This event afforded coaches, principals, Superintendents and fans an opportunity to view the facility and hit it can accommodate the fans. It was great and allowed the teams involved to find out a little about themselves.

The Lynn Camp Wildcats clawed their way back from a 15-point deficit to beat Danville by two. Knott County Central beat a highly regarded Warren Central team from the fourth region. The game between South Laurel and Scott County revealed several things to me.

As a division one prospect I would rate Matt St. John of South Laurel ahead of Dakota Euton of Scott County. St. John has the size, 6’9” around 270, the strength and the coordination to be effective playing his back to the basket at the D-1 level. This kid is a legitimate prospect.

As I prepared to watch the Redhounds I saw three men who as boys were outstanding high school basketball players. Freddie Maggard was an all-time state tournament hero while playing for Carr Creek in the mid-50s, and sitting in front of me were two former Redhounds from the great 1952 team, Jerry Bird and Darrell Storm.

I watched this year’s edition of the basketball Hounds as they beat a good Wayne County team thanks to some excellent play by their seniors leaders, Madison Johnson, Isaac Wilson and Luke Stewart.

The Redhounds played together really well as several reserves cane I and performed well. Starter and sophomore, Travis Smith is very cool under pressure and can provide ball handling, scoring, rebounding and defense.

Madison Johnson has developed into an outstanding player whose quick first step to the basket makes his outside shot easier to get.

Isaac Wilson illustrated his competitive nature at the end of the game by stealing the ball on four successive plays and scoring each occasion.

Luke Stewart is the consummate team player as he not only scores in around the basket but also passes the ball well in close quarters.

Hunter Sizemore caught my eye; Sizemore is a transfer from South Laurel and really plays hard.

The Kentucky Wildcat football team closed out my Saturday filled with sports and left me with a smile on my face as I awaited the arrival of the sandman.

The Cats won a big game that affords them an opportunity to finish the season 8-4 by beating Tennessee.

I agree with Coach Rich Brooks when he said the Mississippi State was a big game, but I believe a win over Tennessee would be even bigger now.

I hope everyone enjoys a nice Thanksgiving.