Tony Pietrowski’s Corbin Redhounds look to be major contenders once again for not only the 50th District crown, but the 13th Region title as well.
Corbin is coming off a 22-9 season that saw the Redhounds fall in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament to Bell County.
With a solid nucleus of talent returning this season, including his top eight scorers, gives many reason to believe Corbin could be cutting down the nets at the Arena come March.
The Redhounds could be slow out of the gate with the majority of the players are gearing up for Friday’s Class 4A State semifinal game against Franklin County,
“We played well in spurts last season,” Pietrowski said. “I think we have to look back on those stretches and see what made us successful.
“We have a solid nucleus returning this season,” he added. “They have had success in basketball and other sports as well. I think we can use those guys to propel us into practice and the first month of our games. It’s obviously difficult when a majority of your players — 12 of 15 varsity players, are not with you until basically right before the start of the season. We plan to use the first few weeks of December as a tune for the remainder of the season. I plan to play a lot of players, get in a good amount of practices, and then figure out who and how we can play to be successful.”
With Hayden Llewellyn (21.8 points per game) returning along with Brody Wells (13.6), Carter Stewart (11.2), Trey Worley (8.1), Eli Pietrowski (6.4), Zander Curry (4.5), Kade Elam (3.5), and Hunter Newberry (2.8) returning, Pietrowski likes the talent Corbin possesses.
“I really like our team,” he said. “I feel like by the end of the year, we will be competing for championships. Our goals never really change. We want to win district, region, and then compete for a state championship.
“Brody is a multiple sport athlete and leader on our team, we expect great things from him this season,” Pietrowski added. “Hayden is a dynamic talent and I feel he will finish out his career in style. Carter remains a consistent big-time player for us. Kids like Trey Worley, Marc Warren, Eli Pietrowski, Zander Curry and Kade Elam will be the backbone of our team.”
The key to Corbin’s success this season could be patience.
“We have to be patient,” Pietrowski admitted. “We are behind almost all the teams in our area in regard to reps and practice time.”
With that said, the Redhounds should be right in the thick of things once postseason play begins.
“Until someone knocks off South Laurel they have to be considered the top team in our district,” Pietrowski said. “Most will pick either North Laurel or Harlan County to win the region, and that’s obviously a valid position to have.”
