Final from the 19th District at Bethlehem

 

Cardinals play a complete game, offense and defense, to give Artie Braden his first district title as Nelson County head coach.

 

5th Region draw is at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Braden is a fine coach who has been successful at every stop. Could Nelson County be a fifth region spoiler and make their first trip to the state tournament?

Braden is a fine coach who has been successful at every stop. Could Nelson County be a fifth region spoiler and make their first trip to the state tournament?

 

They host the region, and they've won 10-of-11 going into it, so I would have to say they are definitely a live longshot.

 

I call the faves in the 5th like this:

 

1. North Hardin

1A. Campbellsville

 

Both are 23-4, but I give North a slight edge because of depth and experience in big games. But Campbellsville is very talented and athletic, and can win if they shoot well from the perimeter. North has played the more demanding schedule of the two.

 

With home court advantage and momentum, Nelson Co. is the clear No. 2. They played both North and Campbellsville, falling by eight on the road each time. The loss to NH came early in the season, when they weren't playing well. The C'ville loss is their only one in the past 11, on the final night of the regular season. Not sure if you can read anything into that or not.

 

After that, you could probably draw names out of a hat. Taylor Co. and E'town may have a slight edge over the rest (B'town, Green, LaRue).