Final from the 5th Region at Marion Co.

 

Chase Cox hit five three-pointers in a 21-point night and Leonard Macon had a dominant 16-point, 19-rebound night, helping hassle Nelson County into a difficult night from the field.

 

Tyler Martinez had 15 points for Nelson County. Taylor put together a big third quarter run to turn a two-point lead into an 18-point one early in the fourth quarter. Nelson Co. came charging back, cutting the lead to seven inside the final 1:49 and had a few looks at threes to get closer, but couldn't knock one down late.

 

Taylor Co. advances to Sunday's semifinals, where they will play North Hardin, which drilled Green Co. 84-45.

 

Hats off to Nelson County and first-year coach Artie Braden for a surprising season. The Cardinals went 14-13 in a year when only one returning player -- Martinez -- had any varsity experience (and Martinez only played about two minutes a game last year as a sophomore). It won't be long before Braden has Nelson Co. in the Sweet 16.

I thought Nelson County had a team capable of pulling off an early round upset in the 5th Region, but they got a really tough draw. Braden is a very solid coach who has been successful at Washington County and John Hardin before Nelson County. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cardinals win their first regional title in the not-too-distant future.