TheTimesTribune.com, Corbin, KY

Sports Editorials

Related Photos

  • Les Dixon

    Les Dixon

Discussion

March 4, 2010

Les Dixon - The Way It Is

Les Dixon, Sports Editor The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — Day three of the 13th Region Tournament at The Arena turned out to be another solid day of watching roundball action.

First off, there were bigger crowds at the boys’ games compared to the girls, which is a plus.

I’m not sure why many people don’t come out to support their girls’ basketball teams, but I guess that’s just the way it is these days.

• I agree with Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski — Wednesday’s game between Corbin and Bell County was an instant classic. Matter of fact, it’s one of the most exciting games I’ve witnessed.

The 2005 state tournament Final Four overtime thriller between South Laurel and Pleasure Ridge Park ranks No. 1 and this game is right beind at No. 2. I would have to go with the Corbin/South Laurel 13th Region title game as No. 3.

• I guess I’m going to stick with The Arena theme just a bit longer.

I talked to a couple of coaches that love the idea of the 13th Region Tournament being played there.

North Laurel coach Roy Bowling compared his team’s experience as to playing in the state tournament. He should know, he guided the Laurel County Lady Cardinals to four state championships.

“I love it,” Bowling said. “It’s got a state tournament atmosphere. It’s eight foot longer and for teams that like to press, it could cause problems for them.”

Lynn Camp coach Richard Jones also liked what he saw at The Arena.

“It’s great,” he said. “Everything about it is great. I hope it’s here for a long time. I really don’t know why it wouldn’t be.”

I’m sure there are some coaches whose opinions might differ and when I run into them, I’ll let you know what they think.

• The girls’ semifinal games should be very interesting. North Laurel is my tournament favorite, but they are no lock to just roll past Harlan County.

The Lady Black Bears have lots of talent and it looks as if they’re peaking at the right time.

North Laurel needs to stay away from turning the ball over to win. The Lady Jaguars had a lot of miscues against Pineville.

The Clay County/South Laurel game should be a classic.

The Lady Tigers are the favorites, but the Lady Cardinals have enough talent to pull off the win.

I’m really interested to see if the extra eight feet

Text Only
Sports Editorials
  • 0331 Fear Les Diamond Ratings.jpg Fear 'Les' Diamond Ratings

    North Laurel enters region tournament play as one of the hottest teams not only in the 13th Region, but the entire state. The No. 10 state-ranked Lady Jaguars are winners of 17 straight while allowing only four runs during their last 10 games.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon Interesting week ahead for local teams

    Believe it or not, in just two days the postseason will begin for our baseball and softball teams in the Tri-County and with that said, it’s time for me to pull out my old trusty crystal ball and give my two cents worth on what to expect once postseason play begins.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0331 Fear Les Diamond Ratings.jpg Fear 'Les' Diamond Ratings

    The Lady Jaguars are winners of 14 straight, but if they hadn’t turned in a solid showing against McCreary Central, I was close to moving them to the No. 2 spot.

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon Mitchell might be back on the sidelines sooner than later

    It’s been two days since former Lynn Camp coach David Mitchell was informed he was fired and from what I’m hearing, it might not be long at all before Mitchell is back on the sideline coaching.

    May 16, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tim Branstetter So who will UK replace with Indiana and North Carolina?

    I sure hate to see Kentucky drop Indiana and North Carolina from its schedule. I love to watch Kentucky play those two storied programs, and I really don’t know how you could replace them on the schedule.

    May 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tim Branstetter Kudos to Chris Hart

    I would like to give out a Big Time Timmy Gem to Corbin softball coach Chris Hart for getting his 100th career win.

    May 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tim Branstetter Big Blue fantasy draft

    After hearing a little debate about which team is better between the 1996 Wildcats and the 2012 Wildcats I decided to do a draft with my buddy and Times-Tribune assistant editor, Brad Hall.

    May 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon I’ve got lots to ramble about

    It’s been more than a week since I last rambled about sports and with that said, I’m not going to waste anyone’s time, so let’s get to it.

    May 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0331 Fear Les Diamond Ratings.jpg Fear 'Les' Diamond Ratings

    The Lady Jaguars are hitting on all cylinders right now. North Laurel has positioned itself as the team to beat in the 13th Region after defeating cross-town rival South Laurel this past week, 2-0.

    May 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tim Branstetter Coaching kids isn’t easy, but it’s a lot of fun

    Last weekend was one of the greatest sports moments of my life.I couldn’t be more proud of my 6th grade travel basketball team, Southeast Elite, for winning the Smoky Mountain Classic in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

    May 1, 2012 1 Photo