The Times-Tribune
CORBIN — By Tim Branstetter / Staff Writer
The Corbin Redhounds are headed back to Rupp Arena to make their second straight appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, but it wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of their four seniors.
Madison Johnson, Isaac Wilson, Aaron Manns and Luke Stewart have relished in their roles as senior leaders and they all agree it’s in big part due to their friendship on and off the court.
“We’ve been through a lot together since the eighth grade,” Johnson said. “This group of seniors is the closest of friends on and off the court and that has really helped with our concept of being a team. It helps give us a rhythm on the court.”
Wilson agreed.
“We’re like a family,” he said. “This is a good group to graduate with.”
Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski believes the seniors’ accomplishments will go down as some of the best in Redhound history.
“It’s a huge accomplishment what this group of seniors have done,” he said. “This group of seniors, in the next 20, 30 or 40 years, they will be mentioned with the Selvys and the Birds. They’ve won 105 games in four years and that’s a great accomplishment. I am very proud of them.”
Manns feels their friendship will last past high school basketball.
“We’ve developed a friendship that will last a long time,” he said.
This group of seniors knew they were expected to make another run at a region title and felt like it was up to them to get the Redhounds back to Rupp. They also knew they had huge shoes to fill with the departure of last year’s seniors.
“We knew it was on our shoulders,” Wilson said. “Our experience helped us make it back this year. I was very close to last year’s seniors. Last year’s senior day was more emotional than this year’s.
Stewart was the last one to join this senior group after they managed to talk him into playing during his seventh grade year. He has became a major part of the Redhounds’ success and admits he wouldn’t change a thing.
“I just never took an interest in playing,” Stewart said. “Isaac talked me into it and they have all helped me catch up. I’m glad they did. High school ball is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Johnson feels the seniors have had to overcome adversity and that has helped them bond and become closer as a group. He also feels the seniors are the leaders of the team.
“We’ve been through some challenges,” he said. “We’ve fought through adversity and that has made us grow on and off the court. That’s helped with our success. I feel like we have four leaders with this group. The seniors all lead this team. I feel like I lead by example and not with my mouth.”
Manns talked about how fast his senior year has gone by and his thoughts on the Redhounds’ chances of advancing past the first round.
“It (playing your last season) doesn’t really hit you until it gets here, but the season has flown by,” he said. “We have a good chance in the tournament though. We’re not usually in the underdog role, but it will be a good challenge for us.”
Stewart agreed the Redhounds can pull the upset over Scott County in the first round.
“Our chances are good,” he admitted. “People look at us as the underdog, but we don’t. I’m so excited. I feel deep down that we are going to win. I really do.”
