The Times-Tribune
CORBIN — By Les Dixon / Sports Editor
Scott County coach Billy Hicks was back in 13th Region territory on Wednesday — and no, he wasn’t paying a visit to any of the local high schools to get game tape on his first round opponent (Corbin) in next week’s state tournament.
He and his family were driving down to Harlan to pay a visit to his mother, who just turned 90.
Even though Hicks was a busy man traveling back to his old stomping ground, he still took time out to talk about his Cardinals going against his former team (Corbin) during next week’s opening round game of the PNC Bank Sweet Sixteen.
“Shoot, first of all, I just want to say how proud I am of Tony (Pietrowski) and Jason (McDaniel) for getting back to Rupp Arena,” he said. “I just hope they don’t suit up and play against us next week. If they do, we’re in some major trouble.”
Hicks’ Scott County squad will enter next week’s game against the Redhounds with a No. 1 ranking, while being everyone’s pick to cut down the nets at Rupp Arena for the third time during his tenure as Scott County coach.
“This is a different feeling for sure, but it’s a good feeling,” Hicks said. “I thinks it’s good to play Corbin, but I wished we could have met in the state finals instead of the first round.
“This is going to be a good experience for everyone,” he added. “Corbin holds a special place in my heart and it made me who I am, for better or for worse.”
This isn’t the first time both Hicks and Pietrowski have faced each other. The Cardinals won an earlier meeting between the two teams on Dec. 11, 2009, 73-62, in Manchester.
Pietrowski said he is looking forward to going against his former coach again.
“Early on in my career, it would have been very difficult, but I feel like I have established myself as a good coach and don’t have to try to compare myself to his accomplishments,” he said. “Coach Hicks is without a doubt one of the best in the business and he was instrumental in putting Corbin basketball back on the map. To me, Corbin basketball is about tradition and he’s a big part of that tradition, so I embrace this opportunity and think that our kids will as well.”
Hicks echoed Pietrowski’s comments.
“Tony has really shown that he is a top-notch coach in the state,” he admitted. “When Tony started, I knew he would do a good job. He’s put a lot of work in to it and look what he’s done. He’s a proven winner.
“This is going to big for me because it brings back a lot of memories,” he added. “I’ve got a lot of friendships in Corbin and to be honest, I love Corbin and always will.”
