The opener of the 4th Region tournament was an entertaining back and forth affair.  The Panthers led most of the first half, before Barren County pulled in front at the end of the third, leading 38-34 after three.  But Cumberland County responded with a 12-0 run, and the Trojans could not run them back down.

First region tournament game victory for Cumberland County since 1990, coincidentally also a victory over Barren County. The Panthers lost to Bowling Green in the semifinals that season, 76-68.

That 1990 win was also their only win at region since 1981.  While competitively I thought it might be better for Barren County to advance, I could not help but root for the Panthers.  I always love when teams that haven't gotten to experience success recently get to advance (so long as it isn't at the expense of my team).  That's why I'm so excited about Glasgow/Metcalfe County tonight, because they haven't had anything recent.  The fact that this tournament is lumbering towards a predictable final and likely winner does not detract from the fun that we have gotten to see some real chaos in this region.