The Times-Tribune
CORBIN — First of all, I would like to congratulate the Redhounds on winning the 13th Region Championship. They went through the entire season with a target on their back and they continued to work hard and get better every day. They never took winning the region as a given, and they knew they had to work hard all season to prepare for a tough tournament.
I would also like to commend the North Laurel Jaguars on a great season. Although they were not able to play their best game in the end, they made some noise with their emotional win over their crosstown rival, South Laurel.
• Although I have a few mixed feelings about the new site of the 13th Region Tournament, I will admit that overall I enjoyed covering it at The Arena. It's an awesome facility and it really adds a whole new dimension to the tournament. Several local athletes were able to experience the feeling of playing on a major stage. I don't feel like it takes anything away from making it to Rupp Arena. Let's face it, The Arena is great, but Rupp is a whole different story and nothing can change that.
• Now I would like to give my report card on the tournament.
Hospitality room: B-
Although I spent a lot of time in there and I never went hungry, it could have been better. They teased us the first couple of days with these awesome little wraps, then they threw some fancy food at us. Nothing is wrong with fancy, but when you have five minutes to eat, you like to keep it basic.
I understand by the time the championship game rolled around on Monday that people were tired and supplies might have been thin, but Jell-O and popcorn just didn't cut it. However, the workers were cool and I can't complain too much.
Games: B+
Although the first couple of games provided some excitement, the finals left something to be desired. I understand The Arena has no control over this, but this is just a report card on the overall tournament experience.
This grade might have been a little lower but the Corbin vs. Bell County game was a classic. Two teams battled for four overtimes before the game was decided. It was a great performance by both teams.
The North Laurel upset win over South Laurel was also exciting. The Jaguars wanted to make a statement and they did, but the Cardinals made a game of it late.
Referees: A-
At first, you might think this is high, but the thing I like the most about the officiating is the fact that you really didn't notice the refs that much. I agree there were some questionable calls, but I really don't feel the refs played a major part in the outcome of games. I also like the fact they called the game until it was over. They were not afraid to make the same call at the end of the game that they would make at the beginning.
Fans: C+
I understand The Arena is big and you are going to lose some of that crowded and loud atmosphere, but the fans were not very impressive. They did show up for the championship game, but the rest of the week was, well, weak.
I do have to say in defense of the students, the cheering section was not well placed. The students were forced to sit behind the cheerleaders and were flat on the floor. It had to be the worst view in the building. Heck, the janitors saw more of the game.
Host school, North Laurel: A+
If you think this is high, you're wrong. North Laurel was forced to break new ground on hosting the first-ever tournament at The Arena and I think they did a solid job. Although several adjustments can be made and I'm sure they will, they were able to pull off a great tournament without a blueprint.
