[Red and Black]

I wish they would've instituted the RPI playoff system years ago. I think it's a great idea. The 2 best teams in their class should play in the state finals. I remember in the 2000's in 2A we would have the top 3 or 4 teams in the state in the same region most years with Belfry, Sheldon Clark, Prestonsburg and Breathitt. And everyone knew that whoever made it out of that region was gonna win by 20+ in the semis and final. The games were almost just a formality after the regional championship game. I think that same problem has been corrected this year. If the regional championship playoff system was still in place then we would've had Paintsville vs Pikeville in the regional championship and Belfry vs Bell in their regional championship this year, but I think all 4 teams have proved, based on their playoff wins, that they deserve to be in the state championship. Khsaa got this decision right, and the mountains are shining today because of it.