DYNAMIC DUO

 A Dynamic Duo – Although Corbin Rehound Seniors Madison Johnson and Isaac Wilson don’t resemble Batman or Robin they combine forces to battle teams across their district. Just as the caped crusader and his sidekick had their minds set on fighting villains both Johnson and Wilson have their focus on returning to Rupp Arena (possibly the Corbin Arena) as the 13th Region champions.

"These boys put a lot of time and effort in Corbin basketball," Corbin Coach Tony Pietrowski said. "They’ve done a lot of great things in their first three years. They know what it takes to compete at a high level. Both of these boys have made big plays. They’ve hit a whole lot of big shots for us."

Although Isaac Wilson claims that the Rehounds will have many tough opponents he anticipates a winning season. Madison Johnson agreed with Wilson and said that all the hard work, time and effort should pay off this year for Corbin.

"The end of the year is everyone’s time to shine," Johnson explained. "It’s the moment that everybody looks forward to." 

Coach Pietrowski was reminiscent and complemented both Johnson and Wilson for their incredible growth as athletes over the course of their high school careers.

"Isaac is the epitome of a point guard," Coach Tony Pietrowski said. "He has the ability to create his own shot as well as shots for teammates. He’s a shut down type defender, and one of the best shooters in the region. He really did a good job getting the ball in the proper place last season and I think he will continue to prove he’s as talented as any guard in our area."

Pietrowski feels that Isaac is a great role model and leader for underclassman. He also said Isaac’s tenacity on the court and the effort he puts forth both offensively and defensively are incredible to watch up close.

"I think coaches love kids that genuinely care about winning first," Pietrowski explained. "There’s no doubt that Isaac is that type of kid."

"I really don’t want to be a senior right now," Wilson said. "I don’t want high school to end. The leadership role is something that you get accustomed to. Madison and me have played since freshman year so the leadership role comes natural to us. It’s nothing new to us because we’ve had the role during other years."

"Johnson is one of the most versatile a players I have ever coached," Pietrowski said. "Everyone knows he can shoot the 3, but his ball handling and ability to get to the rim has improved greatly. This will make him a very tough cover for most teams. He is extremely unselfish and has turned into a good defender. I really think he will have a great senior season."

According to Pietrowski all the players and staff knew how well Madison could shoot the ball when he first started playing. Pietrowski said that from day one, from the first time he put on a Corbin high school jersey that he’s continually improved.

"Madison has the potentially to play on the next level someday," Pietrowski added.

Johnson said that both him and Isaac have been leaders since they started playing high school basketball. Johnson also contended that they’ve set examples for younger classman and said that not only were they verbal leaders but they’ve also been leaders in the weight room as well as on the court.        

Pietrowski said that last year’s regional championship would be an unforgettable moment in both player’s lives as well as his. He contended that the current roster of seniors matches closely to last year’s talent. Corbin’s current senior class should be inspired and has momentum as a result of last season’s success, according to Pietrowski.  

"We’ve always said that we just want to be the best team we can be," Pietrowski explained. "That’s what we continue to harp on. There’s a lot of room for improvement and growth and every day the coaching staff talks to the kids about getting better and being the best team they can be. It seems like when you key in on yourself and improve daily in the end, a lot of good things come from that. We don’t want to set limitations or goals for years end but if we play as good as we can a lot of great rewards will come."

According to Wilson, the Rehounds have a lot of great shooters this season. Wilson said that some junior varsity players haven’t yet had the opportunity of showing off their skills due to the lack of playing time. Corbin’s center, senior Aaron Manns is a force to be reckon with, according to Wilson.

"Ultimately, our strengths lie in three point shooting and our big body down low," Wilson concluded.

"Just looking around the locker room I see different personalities," Johnson added. "Especially with the senior class trickling all the way down to the freshman class. The personalities that make up this team are definitely one of our strengths. Nobody backs down and we always come ready to play. Overcoming a lot of adversity will help us in the end. The senior class has had a lot of experience and I believe when it comes time for us to use it that we’ll be able to use it."

"Not many people can say that they’ve been to three regional finals the first three years of high school," Wilson added. "That’s enough experience within itself to help the younger kids whenever the time comes."

"As the old cliché’ goes you can always get better," Wilson said. "Your never at your best peak. I believe that’s true with this team. The sky is the limit for us as long as we keep coming in and working hard but if we take a couple of days off it’s un-telling what would happen. If we keep working hard we’ll be ready for district and region."

Johnson said that he doesn’t believe that the Rehounds have a specific weakness necessarily but he believes that there’s always room for improvement. Johnson also said that weak areas would be discovered through a game-by-game basis.

"Last year North Laurel really challenged us in the regional tournament," explained Johnson. "We fought through a lot of adversity. We had to get over the mental hump and beat South Laurel in the regional tournament. Since freshman year we’ve overcome many adversities."

"I think Johnson and Wilson do a great job of being leaders on the court as well as the classroom," Pietrowski concluded. "I hope that they have a great senior year and continue to work hard. I think in the end they’ll really enjoy it. Years from now people will still look back and talk about Madison and Isaac and how much they did for this program and everybody involved."