CORBIN — After a tight first half, Corbin took control after the break and rolled past Knox Central 54-32 in the opening round of the 13th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Thursday at The Arena.
The Redhounds improved to 17-13 on the season while Knox Central finished its campaign at 16-12.
“Excited for my guys,” Corbin coach To y Pietrowski said. “They kept their composure early and didn’t panic. We cut it down by half and played really well on both sides of the ball in the second half. Thought Evan played a really balanced game. Scored, distributed it and rebound.
“Trey keeps making winning plays,” he added. “The kid is a special athlete. Eli really turned it on in the second half. Did a much better job guarding in the post. Rebounded it and lead the break. Clay, Lucas, Dalton and Mason continue to make team focused plays. We are playing our best basketball right now. Proud of my kids.”
Knox Central led early and held a 13-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Panthers maintained the lead for much of the first half, and led 21-19 tie at halftime.
The game completely shifted in the third quarter.
Corbin erupted for 16 points in the period while holding Knox Central to just six, turning a tie game into a 35-27 lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Redhounds dominated the final frame, outscoring the Panthers 19-5 to seal the victory.
Trey Person led Corbin with 15 points while Lucas Brittain added 11 points. Evan Ellis also scored 11 points for the Redhounds, and Eli Pietrowski chipped in nine.
Knox Central was led by Evan Hubbard with 11 points. Hayden Melton added six while Evan Taylor finished with six.
Corbin shot an impressive 51 percent from the field (22-of-43) and controlled the glass with a 26-19 rebounding advantage.
