LOOKING BACK

 The Redhounds looked ready for the regular basketball season to get underway as they downed Tennessee’s Knoxville Catholic, 68-41. Travis Smith led the way with 23 points and Robbie Igo had 12 points. The Redhounds had several contributors in many different ways.

Smith is a leader whose head is always in the game. Travis Handles the ball very well, rebounds and finishes around the basket. He is a clever defender.

Igo is quicker and stronger than last year and shoots the ball better. Robbie is difficult for opponents to shoot over.

Zack Farley has a flare for the dramatic as twice he was hustling for the ball going out of bounds, the first time leaping across the line. Zack grabbed the ball in one motion whipped it behind his back to a wide-open Eric Jones, who laid it in. A play worthy of ESPN’s Play of the Day.

The second scenario, on nearly the same spot on the floor Farley shot the ball while leaping out of bounds and scored.

Eric Jones and Kyle West each were very solid in their game.

I was very impressed with the play of eighth grader Trevor Hill.

Yes, I was impressed that he was three-for-three from the 3-point line, but I already knew he could shoot the ball. What caught my attention was Trevor’s acumen for the game. Evidence that young Hill has been fed the fundamentals of the game by Coach Tony Pietrowski and his very excellent staff is very obvious. Trevor blocks out on every shot, his defensive posture, butt down, hands up, with his feet moving. His mind is totally in the game and he is totally team orientated. This kid is not going to be special, this kid is special now.

Coach Pietrowski is in the position of having several players who are very equal in ability and it creates some difficult decisions in making sure everyone gets the playing time they deserve.

I am sure this is not just a concern for Corbin High School, but other teams across the state as well.

I feel the time is appropriate for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association to look at expanding playing time to ten-minute quarters.

It would afford more student athletes an opportunity for playing time and offer fans more basketball for their money.

Another player who played Friday against Knoxville Catholic was Hunter Grubb. Hunter played football and was late coming out, but I am sure he will round into basketball shape soon and play an active role on the team.

You have probably heard this 1000 times minimum, but one more time, How about those Wildcats, 73-72 over the Tar Heels of North Carolina. My player of the game is Darius Miller.

I have been critical of Miller in the past, but now I feel Darius has arrived and has recognized his role on the team. This coming Indiana game on Saturday could be a trap game, with the ‘Cats coming off their big win. But the true most valuable member of the Wildcats’ team is John Calipari and he will not let that happen.

Yeah! I know he is a little cheesy, but he is the best coach out there.