GRC basketball squads roll into district play

Published 3:30 pm Friday, February 23, 2024

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Late February is upon the Bluegrass, which can only mean one thing for high school basketball fans in Kentucky. 

As the regular season nears a close, GRC basketball fans can look forward to a postseason featuring both in Winchester.

In their regular-season finale against Bracken County (10-18) on Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Cards (27-2) were victorious 86-35. 

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Scoring early and often, 34 of the Cards’ points were scored in the opening quarter, as the team was able to sit many of its starting players in the second half. 

“I think everybody was shooting well. We got a lot of guys involved to score,” said senior Reshaun Hampton, who scored 11 points. 

Freshman Montez Gay led the team – which featured 11 scorers – with 16 points. 

Afterward, GRC head coach Josh Cook reflected on the regular season. 

“It’s just been phenomenal. [I’m] just really, really proud of our guys,” he said. 

The Lady Cards (25-4) were also active Tuesday night as they took on Henry Clay in Lexington (20-8). 

They led 19-12 in a defensive battle at the end of the first half. 

However, the offense would gain flight in the second half. 

Outsourcing the Lady Blue Devils by 20, the Lady Cards built a convincing lead and doubled up the score en route to a 54-27 victory. 

The team was led by sophomore Kennedy Stamper, who finished with 18 points. 

For their regular season finale, the team headed east to Ashland, where they took on the also high-ranked Blazer Lady Kittens (24-6) on Thursday but lost 58-52 in overtime.

With the regular season concluded, both teams prepare for the 40th District Tournament. 

This year’s tournament will be held in Winchester at GRC Arena. 

On Monday, Feb. 26, the Lady Cards take on Paris (6-20) at 6:00 p.m. in a 40th District semifinal. The winner will play the victor of the 7:30 p.m. matchup between Montgomery County (19-7) and Bourbon County (9-19) in the 40th District Championship Game on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Cards take on Montgomery County (11-17) at 6:00 p.m. in a 40th District semifinal. The winner will play the victor of the 7:30 p.m. matchup between Paris (7-18) and Bourbon County (12-14) in the 40th District Championship Game on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7:00 p.m.