CORBIN —
By Les Dixon / Sports Editor
Early on during Tony Pietrowski’s coaching career a state tournament matchup against his former coach Billy Hicks might not have been an ideal situation for him, but he doesn’t seem to mind anymore.
“It’s not as tough on me as it was early on when we played against each other,” he admitted. “Coach Hicks has really done a lot for the Corbin basketball program, and to be honest, he put it back on the map.
“He has helped me out a lot, and I’m sure whoever wins, there won’t be any hard feelings on the other side,” he added.
Hicks said he knew Pietrowski was going to be successful as a head coach because he was successful on the court as a player.
“I knew he had it in him,” he said. “You could see that he was a natural ball player and he grew up around basketball, you just knew, if he wanted to coach that he could do it. Man, he just provides a big spark whether it is when he is playing or coaching.”
Pietrowski has provided a spark and even more. He has guided the Redhounds to three 13th Region championships and a 200-55 record during his tenure.
“The first thing I want to do is thank my administration,” Pietrowski said. “From top to bottom, they have fully supported me and their decision to hire me as coach. Early on in my career, we didn’t accomplish everything that we wanted and it would have been easy for them to give into some of the pressure, but they never wavered. That’s what makes being the head coach here special. I have a strong support system, a group of people that don’t only look in the short term. They saw we were headed in the right direction and in the last few years, I believe we have proven them to be correct.
“I can honestly say that some of the hard times make moments like this that much more enjoyable,” he added. “It’s extremely gratifying to look back since my first Sweet Sixteen appearance and see everything we have accomplished. It’s a testament to the players that have devoted themselves to the program, the coaching staff I have in place, and the support of my family, administration, and community. I love Corbin Basketball and I love everything it’s about.”
Hicks said he knew it was just a matter of time before Pietrowski would have his team competing for region and state championships.
“Tony is just a smart guy,” he said. “He was a smart kid when he played ball and he just knows the game. I know I’ve said this before, but I really wish we were meeting each other in the state title game next week instead of the first round.”
Local Sports
Hicks/Pietrowski ready for today’s Sweet 16 battle
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Cards stand ground
It took a team effort, but South Laurel was able to make the big play late to defeat Harlan County, 5-4, and advance to the semifinals of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament.
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Moving on
It wasn’t easy, but North Laurel managed to sneak by Corbin, 2-1, during the first round of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament Monday.
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Lady Cards slip past Clay County
James Burns’ South Laurel Lady Cardinals continued a recurring theme in the first round of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament — scoring runs with two outs and nobody on.
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Bell eliminates Knox Central
Bell County built a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning against Knox Central in first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament Monday, but still needed a leaping catch by centerfielder Alisha Russell to seal the deal on the Lady Bobcats’ win over the Lady Panthers.
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Errors lead to Barbourville’s 15-0 loss to Harlan County
A crucial error in the second inning led to five unearned runs for Harlan County, as the Lady Black Bears cruised to an easy 15-0 win over Barbourville in four innings Monday during first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament.
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Knox Central puts up fight before losing to Middlesboro, 6-2
Middlesboro’s Nick Capps took care of business and managed to hold off Knox Central, 6-2, to advance to the second round of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament Monday.
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North runs win streak to 19 games
The North Laurel Lady Jaguars were clicking on all cylinders Monday during first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament as they defeated Corbin in five innings, 12-0.
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Tigers drop 10-2 decision
Clay County was forced to put the ball on the ground, but once they did they were able to get going as they defeated Barbourville, 10-2, during the first round of the 13th Region Tournament Monday.
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Who really are the favorites this year?
Corbin and North Laurel High Schools’ first round match-ups in both the 13th Region Baseball Tournament and 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament will highlight Monday’s first round action.
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Fantastic Finish
Brandon Hillard’s Knox Central Panthers almost pulled off a shocker before falling to rival Barbourville, 7-6, in the finals of the 51st District title game Thursday.
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