Area basketball teams gear up for holiday tournaments

New Whitley County High School Head Basketball Coach Austin Horn picked up a win last Thursday night during his first game as head coach.

New Whitley County Basketball Coach Austin Horn picked up his first career win last Thursday with a 75-71 victory in the Colonels’ home opener against Hazard.

Five Colonels scored in double figures led by Jamie Fuson’s 17 points.

Ashton Reynolds had 16, while Ethan Keene and Brayden Mahan each added 13. Jackson Petrey contributed 10.

“Our guys played a great game,” Horn said. “We came out with great energy and intensity from the get-go. Proud of the way our guys played together and held each other accountable that night. They stayed within themselves, even when things didn’t go our way. We did a great job having a next play mentality. That was something we had discussed during the week leading up to the Hazard game, and our guys did an excellent job of maintaining that mindset. Very proud of our guys and the steps we took mentally, defensively, and offensively. Was a good night to see improvement across the board. Very proud of our team.” 

Whitley County traveled to Lynn Camp Tuesday night for a game that had not yet been completed as of press time.

The Colonels will continue on the road beginning Friday when they face host Rowan County in the opening of the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Challenge. 

On Saturday, Whitley County will face Lewis County at Rowan County. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

“I’m expecting us to continue to improve in all aspects of the game,” Horn said. “This is a big week for us because we are playing back-to-back for the first time all year, and it will be a good test to see if our guys can maintain focus, energy, and accountability over this stretch. We play two talented teams, which will test us in different ways. I really want to see our guys take that next step defensively.” 

The Williamsburg Yellow Jackets improved to 5-0 on the season with a comeback 74-72 overtime win over Harlan County on Friday, and an 86-60 victory over Frankfort Christian on Saturday.

Evan Steely led the Jackets with 33 points as part of a double-double that included 15 rebounds in the win over Harlan County. Evan Ellis added 15 point and Marin Shannon contributed 13.

Five Jackets scored in double figures Saturday against Frankfort Christian. Steely and Evan Ellis each had 16 points. Bryson Potter added 12, and Dre Ellis and Martin Shannon each pitched in 10.

“We have been playing really well and together sharing the basketball,” said Coach Eric Swords. “Our Defense vs Harlan County was great and we just kept battling even after mistakes.”

Williamsburg was scheduled to host Pineville Tuesday night in a game that had not yet been completed as of press time.

The Jackets will travel to Corbin on Friday for the first 50th District matchup.

“We just got to continue getting better each game,” Swords said. “We still have a lot of season left so we are just taking it one practice, one game at a time.” 

Williamsburg will return home Monday afternoon to face Jackson City. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

The Jackets will host Jackson County Tuesday night.

“Hopefully we can finish these next two weeks strong and get a much–needed break,” Swords said. “We still can improve in a lot of areas.”

The Corbin Redhounds took it on the chin Friday night at North Laurel, losing 81-50 to the Jaguars.

Hayden Llewellyn led the way for the Redhounds with 16 points.

The Redhounds shot 32 percent from the field and 52 percent from the free throw line.

“We continue to embrace our difficult schedule,” said Coach Tony Pietrowski. “We feel like we have found numerous areas we can improve upon and our team has done a great job working on them in practice.”

Corbin was back in action Tuesday night, hosting Clay County. The game had not yet been completed as of press time.

The Redhounds will see their first 50th District opponent on Friday as they host Williamsburg.

“Obviously they have started out hot,” Pietrowski said. “We understand they will offer a tough test and we look forward to the challenge.”

Corbin will be on the road for the remainder of the year, beginning Monday when the Redhounds face Saltillo, Mississippi in the first game of the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

“The Smoky Mountain Classic offers a great mix of competition level and chance to bond as a team,” Pietrowski said.