CORBIN — Cody Philpot’s Corbin Redhounds enter the season as not only one of the top teams in the 13th Region, but as one of the top teams in the state, and deservedly so, with the talent they are returning.
Corbin won 26 games last season, including the 50th District title with a 7-2 victory over eventual state champion Whitley County before falling to the Colonels, 7-1, in the region title game.
But with tons of talent returning, the Redhounds are ready to go even deeper into the postseason this spring.
“We have a lot of guys returning with experience this year,” Philpot said. “Jeremiah Gilbert, Bradric Helton, Walker Landrum and Mikey Neal are our seniors this year and have all major roles for the last three seasons.
“A great group of young men that have had major roles in a lot of big games for us,” he added. “Kade Elam, Noah Cima, and Cam Estep all return for us as well as everyday starters from last season. Cruz Cima, Lucas Tarvin, Ethan Abner and Will Freeman all logged a lot of innings for us on the mound.
“We’re definitely capable of making a run,” he added. “This is as deep of a pitching staff as we’ve had in a long time and we’re seeing guys improve every day. This group is hungry and excited to get out of the field this season.
“Everyone knows that Walker and Kade have been a huge part of our offensive success the last two seasons, this year will be no different,” Philpot continued. “Both had over 50 hits last season against as tough of a schedule as we could put together. We’re excited about those guys but also look to see Bradric, Mikey, Jeremiah, Noah and Cam take another step forward offensively this year as well. We’re athletic up and down the lineup and hope to utilize that throughout the season.”
Corbin could very well possess the best pitching staff in the region.
“This will be the 3rd season that Jeremiah and Bradric have been top arms for us and have both taken another step forward this off season,” Philpot said. “Cruz and Ethan both logged some huge innings for us last year too and have continued to work and hope to take in even more of a load this season. Will Freeman, Lucas Tarvin, Kade Elam look to surprise some people on the mound this year too and help bring a lot of depth to this year’s rotation.”
The Redhounds compete in one of the best districts in the state that includes state champion Whitley County, a much-improved South Laurel squad, and a Williamsburg team that can’t be taken lightly.
“I think we’re in the running in our district,” Philpot said. “It’s always a battle with arguably three of the top four or five teams in the region, all playing in our district. As has been the case for several years, whoever makes it out of our district will have a chance to make a run in the region and beyond.”
Philpot is confident his team can make a deep run once postseason play begins.
“Absolutely. That’s the goal every year and this will be no different,” he admitted. “If this group continues to work and have the desire to improve day in and day out the way they’ve shown so far then we’ll be in the thick of it when the postseason comes.
“We’ve scheduled tough as always,” Philpot added. “We love to be challenged and learn from those challenges. The 2A tournament, a tough Spring Break schedule, and several other matchups vs some top teams around the state look to make this a fun year.
“I think we’re in the handful of teams could make a run this year,” Philpot continued. “When you’ve got the defending state champion in Whitley County, a top 10 player in the state on the Clay County roster and traditional powers like North Laurel and South Laurel, it’s going to be tough. All that also shows is how good baseball in this area has become. Often overlooked in the past, the 13th Region is on everyone’s baseball radar right now and for good reason, it’s legit. As always, I want to thank this community, school officials and administration for its support of this program. These kids work really hard and are proud to represent this amazing community.”
