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
