LEXINGTON — Warren Central basketball coach Tim Riley is no stranger to state championship games.

But the thrill of returning to the Boys State Tournament this season is particularly sweet.

The Dragons outdueled rival Bowling Green in double overtime for the Fourth Region championship, sending Warren Central to Rupp Arena for the first time in three years. Prior to that, Riley had guided the team to six consecutive regional titles.

“Honestly, I think I appreciate this one more than any of the others,’’ Riley said. “After not going for two years, and to beat our big rival ... it’s very satisfying.’’

Warren Central had its work cut out with Bowling Green’s addition of talented junior transfer Chane Behanan from the Cincinnati area. He averaged 21.7 points this season.

“I would say he’s the most talented kid in the state,’’ Riley said. “At the end of regulation in the regional final, Bowling Green had outscored us by one point in four games.’’

Naturally, the 49-year-old Riley and his players were ecstatic to come out on top.

“I tell everybody this, winning is not nearly as much fun as losing is painful,’’ Riley said.

Warren Central and 16th Region champion East Carter will open the 2010 Sweet Sixteen today at noon in Rupp Arena.

Riley and East Carter coach Brandon Baker have something in common. Both are former Mike Flynn assistants — Riley at Covington Holmes and Baker at Ashland.

Riley assisted Flynn two years at Holmes. The second year, Holmes lost in the state finals.

Riley and Flynn will also share a special moment at this year’s tournament. They will be Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches Court of Honor recipients representing the Fourth Region (Riley) and 16th Region (Flynn).

Now in his 13th season at Warren Central, Riley directed the Dragons to a state title in 2004 and runner-up finish the following season.

Riley’s first head coaching job came at Larue County, where he was hired by future Ashland superintendent Phil Eason.

Baker, who has East Carter in the State Tournament for the first time since 1986, has already earned Riley’s respect. The two coaches exchanged tapes of their regional tournament games.

“Brandon is a good coach,’’ Riley said. “Watching his team play, he really does a good job.’’

Warren Central (22-8) has its share of athletic ability and likes to get up and down the court. Senior guard Jacob King averages three 3-pointers per game.

Inside, 6-foot-6 junior George Fant leads the team in scoring with a 15.7 average.

Fant, who has a 7-foot wingspan, is a major reason why the Dragons have only been outrebounded four times this season against a challenging schedule.

Riley expects the matchup between Fant and East Carter’s Colt Barnhill to be a dandy.

“Barnhill is a very good player, definitely skilled,’’ Riley said.

Despite a regional upset of 2009 state champion Holmes, the top bracket of the Sweet Sixteen is loaded with the likes of No. 1 Scott County, Ballard, Christian County, Newport and Warren Central.

“The power ratings had us fifth,’’ Riley said. “Surviving the top bracket is going to be tough. The tournament is not as strong as it could have been, because of some upsets, but the teams that are there are all champions. People forget, all 16 teams have won a regional championship.’’

KABC awards

East Carter swept the KABC awards in the 16th Region with Baker being named Coach of the Year and Barnhill the Player of the Year.

In the 15th Region, it was a Shelby Valley sweep with Jason Booher (coach) and Elisha Justice (player).

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.