Boys’ basketball season heats up

The Corbin Redhounds are 1-1 on the season following a loss at Harlan County Monday night.

Corbin boys defeated LaFayette Saturday 80-69 in the Legacy Nissan Classic at North Laurel.

“I thought our play was much improved from our scrimmage,” said Coach Tony Pietrowski. “We moved the ball well, made some nice in-game adjustments and rebounded the ball. We beat a nice basketball team.

The Redhounds lost at Harlan County, 78-56.

“We didn’t step up to the challenge against a red-hot Harlan County team,” Pietrowski said. “I think it showed our group that we have some areas that need improvement. I firmly believe this group will work toward improving those areas.

Corbin was scheduled to host Garrard County in the home opener Tuesday night at Gilliam Gymnasium. The results of the game were not available as of press time.

Corbin will be back on the road Friday night to face the North Laurel Jaguars.

The Jaguars are 2-1 on the season, losing to Greenwood Friday night, 88-76 and defeating Barren County, 77-40 on Saturday.

After a slow start in North Laurel’s opener last week against Red Bird, future UK Wildcat Reed Sheppard led the Jaguars with 36 points against Greenwood and 29 points against Barren County.

“It’s a testament to the schedule we are throwing at this group,” Pietrowski said. “We want to put ourselves up against great competition each time we step on the floor.”

“Reed is obviously a special talent, but they have a lot of solid pieces around him. It again will allow us to gauge where we are at versus top teams and talent in our region. We are excited about the opportunity.”

The Redhounds will return home Tuesday night to face Clay County.

“They are a young squad, but they are Clay County,” Pietrowski said of the Tigers. “You know they are going to come into that game ready to play and compete. It will be yet another test for our squad.”

Williamsburg Yellow Jackets

After winning by forfeit to L.I.G.H.T. home school Friday, Williamsburg took to the court for the first time Saturday, defeating Buckhorn 78-65 at South Laurel in the 13^th Region Media Network Ted Cook Classic.

Evan Steely led the way with 22 points.

Dre Ellis added 16.

Evan Ellis and Martin Shannon each added 12 points.

The Jackets combined for 27 three-point attempts, hitting nine of them.

Williamsburg took to the road Tuesday night to face Red Bird. The game had not yet been completed as of press time.

The Jackets’ home opener is set for Friday against Harlan County in the Wayne Bargo Classic.

Saturday, Williamsburg will host Frankfort Christian in the second night of the tournament. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.

The Jackets will wrap up the three-game homestand Tuesday night against Pineville.

Whitley County Colonels

Whitley County has gotten off to a 2-0 start with road wins at Leslie County and Jackson County.

The Colonels defeated Leslie County, 56-41 on Nov. 29.

Ashton Reynolds led the way with 20 points, going six for six at the free throw line.

Jamie Fuson added 13.

Whitley County traveled to Jackson County Friday night, coming away with the 92-91 victory.

Five Colonels scored in double digits, led by Brayden Mahan with 30 points.

Ethan Keene added 19. Bryce Anderson had 14. Ashton Reynolds had 13, and Jamie Fuson contributed 10.

Whitley County will open at home Thursday night against Hazard.

The Colonels will go back on the road Tuesday night at Lynn Camp.