LOOKING BACK

 Well, it is Sunday and I am writing my column without knowing the outcome of the championship game of this year’s 13^th Region Tournament between the Corbin Redhounds and the Bell County Bobcats, but I am sure it will be a great game.

The atmosphere has been terrific once again at The Arena for this year’s regional games.

The Lady Redhounds led by their excellent head coach Jennifer Parsons and her staff, pushed the Lady Tigers of Clay County to the buzzer before losing by three. Clay County girls went on to claim the title by beating South Laurel in the finals. I expect the Lady Tigers to do well in the state tournament this week in Bowing Green.

It was really good to see some big name former players and former coaches in attendance this year.

From Clay County, the two legendary coaches of the past, Spider Thurman and Bobby Keith were there to cheer on their former school, and from Corbin, there was Dusty Yates, a terrific all around athlete for the Redhounds in the late forties. Jerry Bird, Darrell Storm, Roy Kidd and Bobby Terrell, who were teammates on those great state tournament teams of the ‘50s, were in attendance cheering on the Redhounds of 2011.

Isaac Wilson, who led the Redhounds to the state tournament the last two year’s was there rooting his former teammates on. Isaac was the starting point guard for the Alice Lloyd Eagles this year and he did an outstanding job.

Isaac had his head coach J.R. Hammon with him as the coach is looking at Bell County guard Ben Madon as a possible recruit.

Paul Jones and Shirley entertained Harold Gant, as Harold (a huge Redhound fan) got to see his first game in person this year, and what a game it was.

The Redhounds and Clay County boys played toe-to-toe throughout the game, before a late surge of energy by Matthew Taylor led the Redhounds to an overtime win.

Clay County has a very good team and survived a strong effort by Harlan County in the opening round on a last second basket by John Vernon Hooker.

The changing defenses by Redhound Coach Tony Pietrowski seemed to confuse Clay County just enough to create untimely turnovers by the Tigers. Taylor Jones, Hunter Sizemore, Matthew Taylor, Travis Smith, Brody Freeman and Kyle West were all very effective defensively.

Although the Redhounds seemed to tire somewhat down the stretch, they shot their free throws very well.

 "Cats" steal win

The Kentucky Wildcats got a big win in Knoxville this past weekend that may indicate that they have found the confidence they need to boost them into post season. Tennessee put a strong defensive challenge to the Cats and the Cats were able to withstand it and win. Watch for Tennessee to do well in the SEC Tournament.

 The 50s

Last week I wrote of the many All-state players of the Redhounds from the decade of the fifties. To name a few; Roy Kidd, Jerry Bird, Frank Selvy, Calvin Bird, Mel Chandler, Harold Queary, Billy Bird, Fred Rader, Jesse Grant, Rodger Bird and Jerry Smith.

One of these all-state players from the decade of the ‘50s is this week’s Player from the Past, Big Fred Rader.

Big Fred stood about 6’3” and weighed around 250 pounds and was very mobile. Fred was very quick and very aggressive and his senior season of 1959 he led the Redhounds to a terrific season. The 1959 team has often been overlooked, but was one of the all time great Redhound teams. Big Fred Rader always a Redhound.