Andrew_Corbin

Also, looks like the 13th Region tournament is almost set: Clay County/Jackson County (I suspect Clay should win easily), North Laurel, Corbin, South Laurel, Knox Central, Barbourville, Middlesboro, and Harlan County.

Here's a question, when is the last time a Mike Jones coached team did not make it to a 13th Region tournament?

Yes, it's an exact repeat of last year's tournament; however, hopefully, the end result will be different than last year's. I think the Colonels could give the Cardinals a heck of a game on Tuesday -- will definitely be interesting to watch.

Here’s a few interesting statistics when it comes to Corbin during its first 13 games versus the second 13 games: 1st 13 games (averages) — Points Forward: 68 Points Allowed: 53 (MAR: 15) 2nd 13 games (averages)—Points Forward: 82 Points Allowed: 52 (MAR: 30) It appears the defense has been pretty strong and consistent for the Redhounds all year long. The one area of improvement is Corbin’s ability to put points on the board (Corbin has become a great passing team). The Hounds are averaging 14 more points per game during the second half of the season. In Corbin’s three loses, the Hounds only managed: 64, 53, and 58 points (average: 58 points per game; about 17 points below their season average and 24 points below their average when they win. So, just playing the numbers game … when Corbin puts 65 points on the board, so far they have not been beat (a perfect 19-0); however, when scoring below 65, the Hounds have four wins and three loses.

Just curious, why was the Corbin/Pineville game cancelled? Surely, it was not weather.

I don't know why anyone would say that Corbin is favored over South Laurel to head to Rupp Arena. Yes, Corbin won two early season games against the Cardinals. They won an early season game against the Cardinals last year as well. I think the game in London or so ago should show you a key difference between the two squads. South Laurel plays much better as the season progresses and makes necessary adjustments. Oh, the key difference is Coach Wright.

I would say South Laurel is the top team in the 13th region -- especially, with recent wins over Corbin and Clay County. Looks like the Cardinals should be favorites to win their fourth-straight 50th district and 13 region championship this year. Coach Wright is just the premier coach in the region. It's amazing to watch the South Laurel coaching staff during a game.

Corbin started the game out hot -- they scored the first 7 or 9 points of the game (not Lexington Catholic). Just wanted to clarify that.

Games won within a ten point margin: 9 Games lost within a ten point margin: 6 Games won with more than a ten point margin: 16 Games lost with more than a ten point margin: 2

Bubba Wilson, great post. Every team is going to lose eventually but one. Like I said, it was a joy to attend the games this season and I look forward to next. Its fun to discuss the what ifs and what should have happened and did happen... let's just keep in mind, these are high school students and basketball is just a game.

I will just give my top five: 1. South Laurel (until someone is able to knock them off) 2. Corbin 3. Knox Central 4. Clay County 5. Bell County

Saying someone was "out-coached" is not exactly throwing the guy under a bus. No one will hear me complain about the season Corbin had and being the second best team in the region. Nevertheless, Coach Pietrowski is still relatively young coach and has been successful at Corbin--comparatively.

I have not had a chance to watch Hazard play -- impressive record. It appears, on paper, the game will be close.

black_10, if you were a preacher and I was in church, then I would be yelling "Amen" and "praise the Lord." I am in total agreement with you. Corbin was out coached three out of four games against South Laurel. The second game at Corbin was a combination of shoots not falling and being out coached. Many people will see this as a Corbin fan bashing Coach Pietrowski. I am not bashing the man. He's a young coach with a young coaching staff. I do not know if he'll learn from this loss and grow from it or not. Time can only answer this question. As for the guys in stripes, the way I see, you get a feeling for how the game is going to be called in the first 3 minutes of play ... you have to adjust your game plan accordingly. I do think it would be ashame for the Corbin kids not to get to go to Rupp with all the talent they have -- but there have been many talented teams that never made the Sweet Sixteen. I enjoyed watching these Corbin kids play this year and look forward to next season.

Yeah, being the pre-season favorites don't win championships. :-) March should be fun next year, as well.

Les also picked Jackson County over South. Make that 3. LOL

South will definitely be in the mix next year. I think they lose one starter? I may be wrong.

Bottom line: you can't win many games with only 49 points in 36 minutes of play. Why only 49 points? South Laurel's defense.

This is just a question, what is the normal number of assistant coaches for a team? It seems like most teams in the 13th region have more than just two--well, I am not sure if all of them are assistant coaches but it seems like Corbin has a smaller coaching staff than other teams.

I saw Rosco (Roscoe) Denny at a few of the Corbin games.

Corbin's big run came when St. John was on the bench with two fouls. The big guy is a huge factor in that awesome 2-3 zone. I don't know how many times Corbin players thought about a shot tonight but did not take it. Someone made this observation on the radio (paraphrasing): In the fourth quarter, Corbin seemed to hestiate whether to be aggressive or to be patient and make the extra pass. Many times it looked like they second guessed themselves whether to take the shot or make an extra pass.

Also, I am not saying that is the sole factor in the Corbin loss tonight--just one.

I am not saying this in a bitter way and I do not mean to upset anyone by saying this ... I really think Corbin was out-coached in the three out of four games against South Laurel. That's not putting Corbin's coaching staff down, it's just giving Wright and his staff their proper respect.

To sum up this game: The One that Slipped Away

Yes, Corbin made 3 of 7 or 4 of 7 in free throws--only made it 7 times to the line. Corbin out rebounded South by a bunch, they had 11 offensive rebounds alone. Corbin had 20 turnovers -- and the ones late hurt. Again, they just ran out of steam.