Corbin 78,Harrodsburg 60

Redhounds Bring Home McDonald’s Classic Championship

Corbin left Mercer County with three more wins, a tournament MVP and a championship trophy.

Behind senior Josh Brock and a lineup that found contributions throughout the roster, the Redhounds swept through the McDonald’s Classic, defeating Danville, Washington County and Harrodsburg to improve to 7–1 on the season.

The tournament offered another early test for coach Mike Deaton’s team, which entered the season with high expectations in the 13th Region. Corbin arrived with a 4–1 record, including victories over Bell County, Cawood and South Laurel. Its only loss had come against a big, physical Owsley County team.

Senior Derek Barton had delivered important baskets during that opening stretch, particularly against Bell County and South Laurel. At Mercer County, Brock took center stage, scoring 57 points across three games and earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Corbin Takes Control Against Danville

The Redhounds opened against Danville and established control early before using a 22-point third quarter to pull away for a 71–55 victory.

Brock led all scorers with 26 points, while Barton added 12. Corbin’s offense gave the Admirals little opportunity to change the direction of the game, sending the Hounds into the next round with a 16-point win.

Hammons Leads the Way in Semifinal

Washington County presented a different challenge.

The Commanders held Corbin to eight points in the third quarter, keeping pressure on the Redhounds heading into the final period. Corbin answered with a 20-point fourth quarter to secure a 52–38 victory and a place in the championship game.

Freshman Johnny Hammons delivered the biggest performance of his young Corbin career, leading all scorers with 20 points. With Brock limited to eight, Hammons gave the Hounds the offensive lift they needed to advance.

It was an early glimpse of what the freshman could contribute, and a reminder that Corbin had more than one way to win.

Depth Delivers in Championship Game

In the final against Harrodsburg, Corbin needed a little time to find its offensive rhythm.

The Redhounds scored 14 points in the first quarter, but their defense kept the game under control. Brock then helped ignite a 23-point second quarter as Corbin began finding its range.

Brock finished with a game-high 23 points. Foul trouble limited both him and Barton during the second half, placing more responsibility on the rest of the lineup.

The Hounds answered.

Hammons followed his semifinal performance with 13 points, while Brian Warren and Jon Davis each added eight. With an experienced bench providing support, Corbin maintained control and finished with an 18-point victory to claim the championship.

Harrodsburg received 17 points from R.J. Bartleson, 13 from Patrick Bigg and 12 from Jeremy Mays, but Corbin’s balance proved too much for the Pioneers.

Brock finished the tournament averaging 19 points per game, highlighted by his 26-point effort against Danville. His MVP award capped a weekend in which the Redhounds backed up their early expectations with three victories and their first tournament title of the young season.

Corbin returned home at 7–1, with Anderson County next on the schedule.

Tournament Results

Tournament MVP: Josh Brock, 57 points in three games.