Cards thunder past Tomcats; girls get tourney win at Nelson County

Published 2:03 am Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The George Rogers Clark High School boys basketball got to work early Tuesday night against Ashland Blazer.

The Cardinals raced out to an 8-0 lead before cruising to a 71-45 win at Letcher Norton Gymnasium.

The Tomcats (1-6) managed just 14 first-half points, while GRC (5-4) controlled the boards.

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“Our guys did a good job early with their execution,” GRC coach Josh Cook said. “But even if we’re up or down, we have to do a better job of playing the present play and to the score.”

Ten different Cardinals scored in the win and four starters finished in double figures.

Jordan Graham led the way with 14 points. Ryan Cooper scored 13 while Chase Taylor and Will Philpot each scored 12.

“Guys have to be willing to step up,” Cook said. “I don’t want us to get to region time and have other teams focus on one of our guys and the other players aren’t ready.

“So we want to give them a chance to make plays in the regular season to prepare them.”

Jehdon Jenkins added seven points. JJ Johnson put in four points. Tydarius Clark and Tray Hooten each scored three points and Isaiah Noland got into the scorebook with a free throw.

The Cardinals head to Lexington Christian Academy to take on Jeffersontown (5-3) at 2 pm. Thursday as part of the Central Bank Classic. The Chargers are coming off a 73-53 win over Newport Tuesday.

They are led by Delvonte McCloud, who averages 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds a game.

“We have to come ready to play,” Cook said.

GRC girls 57, Ashland Blazer 31

The GRC girls basketball team also played Ashland Blazer Tuesday, but the Cardinals were playing in Nelson County as part of the Franklin Family Chevrolet Holiday Jam.

The Cards also started fast, leading 16-4 after the first quarter.

Maleaha Bell led the way with 15 points. Elizabeth Hardiman scored 11.

Hayley Harrison added eight points, Kennedy Igo seven and Shemaya Behanan six. Jasmine Flowers and Tyra Flowers each scored four points.

Senior Kylee Murray, back in action for the Cardinals, scored three points in her return.

The Cardinals advance in the holiday tournament to take on Green County tonight.

Reach Casey at casey.castle@winchestersun.com.