Corbin’s Hayden Llewellyn commits to play basketball at Maryville College

Four years ago, Hayden Llewellyn was turning heads as a freshman standout for the Jellico Blue Devils basketball team. Averaging nearly 27 point per game, it was clear to everyone that he was a special talent. So, not surprisingly, it was a major topic of conversation when he made the trip north of the state line to begin playing at Corbin High School as a sophomore.

Clearly, Llewellyn was going to have an immediate impact on the Redhounds’ game plan, but still, adjustments had to be made.

“It was different,” Llewellyn said of the move from Jellico to Corbin. “I had high expectations for myself, but I didn’t really know anybody at first. Everyone welcomed me, though, and it has been a great experience.”

One of the things that excited Llewellyn the most about coming to Corbin was getting the opportunity to play for Head Coach Tony Pietrowski. “It has been a great experience,” he said. “I love playing for Coach P. He always has our best interests in mind. He wants us to win, wants us to do well, and I feel that he puts us in the best positions to accomplish that.”

Llewellyn has certainly managed to make the most of his time in a Redhound uniform, leading the team in scoring for the past three seasons.

As for his senior campaign, he said that despite the late start, he feels good about what he and his teammates were able to accomplish together.

“At the beginning, it was just me and Trey Worley practicing with some freshmen and JV kids,” Llewellyn explained. “The football guys were all going to state, so it wasn’t until the day before our first game that we had the whole team together. We were kind of at a disadvantage, but everyone has the desire to win, and to do as well as we could.”

Llewellyn pointed to a solid performance in the Smoky Mountain Classic in Gatlinburg, Tenn. as a positive early-season development, as well as a championship run in the 2022 Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament. He also mentioned the Hounds’ victory over visiting South Laurel as a personal favorite moment of his, and he said that getting to compete at the Arena again in the 13th Region tournament was a special experience.

“I remember being an eighth grader and coming to the Arena to watch the tournament,” Llewellyn said. “I always wanted to be able to do that, so I’m glad that I have had the opportunity for the past three years.”

“It was a cool experience to make it to the region championship this season. I don’t regret anything. I’m just happy that I got to be a part of this team.”

Coach Pietrowski said of Llewellyn, “Hayden has had an outstanding career here at Corbin. He has a tremendous work ethic, and has grown as both a player and a person. He will be missed by our school, the basketball program, and the fan base.”

As for what’s next, Llewellyn has committed to play basketball at Maryville College in Tennessee beginning later this year.

When asked about the decision, he said, “I felt like Maryville was the best opportunity for me coming in as a freshman. They have good facilities, a good team, and a good coach who believes in me. I don’t want to go somewhere where I don’t feel like I’m wanted. I do feel wanted there, though, and I feel like I can excel.”

The Maryville Scots completed their 2022-23 season with an 18-8 overall record, capturing the championship of the all-new Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).

As a new conference, there were no automatic bids to national tournament competition, but the team certainly hopes to make a splash soon in the NCAA Division III ranks.

Coach Pietrowski said of Llewellyn’s decision to sign with Maryville, “I’m excited to see him take the next step. I’m proud of him for looking at his options, and finding a school that not only fits his athletic endeavors, but also sets him up well for the future.”

Before making the trip back across the border into Tennessee to continue his basketball career, Llewellyn will first focus on competing for the CHS track and field team this spring.

As a first time competitor last year, he finished the track season with a state runner-up title in high jump. He will look to continue winning awards in that event in the weeks ahead, as well as in long jump, the 100-meter dash, and as a relay runner.