On Thursday, the Perry County Central Commodores hooked up with the Owlsey County Owls in the opening round of the 14th region tournament. The Commodores did not get off to a good start, and found themselves struggling to get back in the game. A late surge by Perry Central put them over the top and into the semifinals.

Owsley County came out hot and put Perry Central on their heels early. The Commodores struggled to stop the Owls outside shooting, and went down 14-8 by the end of the first period.

By the midway point of the second period, Perry Central had evened things out at 19. The Commodores then began to put a little distance between them and the Owls. At the break, Perry Central controlled the tempo and the scoreboard with a 31-26 lead.

Owsley County continued to keep things close in the third quarter, managing to keep Perry Central away from a double-digit lead. However, the Commodores were able to add to their margin, and went into the final frame with the 52-43 lead.

The Commodores pushed the margin into the double-digit range early in the fourth quarter, leaving the Owls to take more shots from long range. Owsley County was successful from long range and cut the margin to nine on a couple of occasions, but each rally was met by a counter rally from Perry Central. The Commodores were able to make their free throws down the stretch, and came away with the 74-61 victory.

Perry Central (74)

Jordan Amis 8, Dustin Brewer 7, Chris Noble 6, Corey Martin 7, Tyler Mullins 15, Josh Salyers 2 and Dillon Cornett 29.

Owsley Co. (61)

Marcus Peters 8, Devan Evans 18, Timmy Murrell 10, Travis Murrell 5, Tyler Williams 18 and Justin Johnson 2.