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Fingers crossed, the GRC boys basketball team just might be on the verge of something special if they defeat the Pikeville Panthers Friday afternoon.

Beat the All-A state champs, and it’s on to Saturday at the Sweet 16; the school’s first such appearance since George H.W. Bush was in office.

Prevail Saturday morning, and it’s on to finals for the first time since 1951 when Coach Letcher Norton led the Cards to a state crown over the legendary Cuba Cubs.

There is still a lot of basketball to be played; anything can happen at the greatest show in hoops.

Still, one has to like the Cards chances, they have a perfect record against teams from Kentucky. Wednesday, they rolled over the Perry County Commodores on their way to a 41-point, 77-36 victory.

That’s not even the most lopsided victory the Cards Nation has seen all year.

Coach Cook and his players know that the entire town and county–Sun staff included–are rooting for them to bring the big trophy back down I-64 from Lexington.

There are a lot of things dividing our nation these days, but this is one thing the community can rally behind.

A bid for the state title doesn’t happen every day, so when the magic happens and the hard work pays off, it is best to take note, and maybe remember to savor this time in history.

The Sun doesn’t profess to know what other folks’ pre-game rituals are, but please keep knocking on wood or keeping those fingers crossed.

Most importantly, we ask our readers to never lose faith in the home team.

While at times, based on the many margins of victory from the past season’s games, success seems assured, it is not. Sometimes the ball bounces funny for everyone.

While luck is a factor, we take pride in the fact this community knows how hard these young men have worked all year how much they want to win that state crown.

No matter what the final score, we know that this team will play hard until the clock stops.

Go Cards! Go Cards! Go Cards!