A balanced attack and good shooting from the free throw line combined to give the Russellville Panthers a 56-52 win in the opening round of the Class 1A Fourth Region Tournament Monday.

Coach Phil Todd’s team will play at Clinton County Thursday night in the semifinals in a game that will be broadcast live on all of WRUS’ platforms. Clinton County had a bye in the opening round.

Four players scored in double figures in the win over the Hornets Monday with Eli McMurry and Jamarion Gardner scoring 12 each while Too Two McKeage and Kein Gray each added 11.

Gray, a junior, also contributed significantly with 10 rebounds.

While the Panthers struggled from long distance at 1 of 16, they were above 50 percent from two-point territory at 21 of 39. They also hit two-thirds of their free throws with McKeage and Gardner each going 2 for 2 and Jerius Coleman 3 for 4.

The Panthers improved to 4-12 on the season while the Hornets fell to 3-11. Clinton County is 8-8/