LOOKING BACK

 The Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament of 2011 ended with Scott County of Coach Billy Hicks as champions for a second straight year. Coach Hicks has yet another contender for a state championship. There was some really good basketball played last week, but for me it was great to see local people return to the scene.

I consider Coach Hicks a local boy even though he grew up in Evarts in Harlan County, and I think he would tell you he has many close ties to Corbin. Coach Hicks was pretty busy, but I did get an opportunity to speak briefly with his lovely wife, Betsy.

I also got to talk with Coach Hicks brother Herschel, who is an old friend of mine through softball. Herschel was one of the best softball players I ever saw play the game, and I have seen more than a few. Herschel and his family live in Corbin and I am sure we have some more Hicks players in the Redhound future.

Another homecoming of sorts revolved around the Evangel Christian team of Shreveport, Louisiana.

One of the all-time great Redhound performers, Greg Taylor, had two sons on the Eagles squad. Trey and Trent, like their father before them were fierce competitors and led their team to the finals. I never had an opportunity to speak to Greg; it was as if the president was on hand as old friends surrounded Greg at every free moment.

Greatest Redhound Moments

You know me; I love to reminisce at every opportunity. A former star performer as a Redhound proposed to me that I request my readers (if I have any) that they submit to me through e-mail, the regular mail or by phone key moments you have retained of Redhounds games, such as in football, the one greatest run or a great tackle that may have changed a game or even a season. A blocked punt, a great pass reception or any play that may have altered the outcome of a game or season.

The same holds true with basketball. It may have been Bo Roaden’s shot from mid-court to end the third quarter against Fairdale in the state tournament. It may have been Travis Smith’s two free throws with 2.2 seconds remaining to send the Bell County game into a fourth overtime in a 13^th Regional game and ultimately on to Rupp Arena in 2010.

It may have been Roy Kidd’s shot from mid-court to give the Redhounds a one point win over Central City in the 1950 state tournament.

I am sure you have many memories to share. As I get longer in the tooth, my senior moments become more frequent.

Even thought the Redhounds dropped a couple of games in the CFIT, I continue to feel the Redhound team will be ready for March. I see improvement by Victor Berezutchi and Hunter Grubb and by March, eighth grader Trevor Hill will be a significant scorer.

Travis Smith continues to work hard, and he never blinks when the going gets tough. Robbie Igo has developed as a rebounded and scorer inside, and Zack Farley play great.

You can email me at  destep@corbinnewsjournal.com. My mailing address is 542 Riva Ridge Trail, Corbin, KY.