By ST’s Jim Mashek / Photos by ST’s Marlow Hazard
Logan County came out and wanted to make a statement.
Scoring the game’s first 13 points did the trick.
The Cougars never relented, rolling to a 79-58 victory over Cumberland County in first-round play of the KHSAA Fourth Region Tournament on Tuesday night at E.A. Diddle Arena.
“They’re a tough team to play, very athletic,” Logan County coach John Tinsley said. “They made some adjustments to give themselves a chance. Our guys knew what we had to do.”
What the Cougars did was get the ball in Jose Nazario’s hands.
Nazario hit 10 of 13 shots and finished with a game-high 20 points, along with six rebounds, five steals and five assists. He was everywhere for Logan County.
“I just try to play my game,” Nazario said.
The Cougars improved to 28-3 on the season. Dalton Thompson had 16 points and seven rebounds for Logan County, and Anthony Woodard finished with 10 points, six assists and five steals. Logan County forced the Panthers into 26 turnovers.
Dawson Smith led Cumberland County with 18 points, while Ty Seay added 15 and Cameron Owsley finished with 12.
Logan County will now face Bowling Green High School on Monday evening. The Purples crushed Allen County-Scottsville 78-46 on Tuesday, so both teams will have plenty of time to prepare for one another.
“I’ve heard all year, about Bowling Green, they’re good,” Tinsley said. “I’ve heard this year about Warren Central, and they’re very good. But we’ve won 24 in a row … It’s going to be a battle. We’ll be ready Monday.”
Boys tournament play continues with Barren County facing Warren Central at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by Franklin-Simpson taking on Clinton County.
