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On Tuesday, Feb. 11, both the Lady Cards and Cards suffered tough defeats against top Kentucky competition when they came to Winchester. 

Just days later, both got back in the win column, each earning victory against a scrappy opponent. 

Saturday afternoon saw the Lady Cards (18-7) defeat the Notre Dame Lady Pandas (19-5) in Park Hills, while the Cards – after a 76-67 victory over Woodford County on Thursday – saw their record improve to 22-4 with a victory over Mercer County in Harrodsburg. 

The Lady Cards, who began play at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, play the Lady Pandas each year with points traditionally being at a premium. 

While the Lady Pandas were able to connect on a few three point shots early in the first quarter, their offense quickly stalled, while the Lady Cards’ offense told a different story. 

In the second quarter, which GRC entered with a 15-13 lead, the Lady Cards’ defense shined as Notre Dame was held to just two points on a pair of free throws. 

Meanwhile, GRC’s offense ended the half on a 16-0 run and held a 33-15 lead at halftime. 

The Lady Cards were able to extend their lead to as much as 24 in the third quarter. 

While the Lady Pandas showed fight of their own by going on a 14-2 run at one point, GRC finished strong and pulled away for a 57-42 victory. 

The team was led by 14 points from Ciara Byars and 12 from Kennedy Stamper. 

Notably, the game also saw the return of senior Khania Jones, who finished with 6 points and multiple blocks in the contest. 

Jones, who had been sidelined with an injury since late December, started in place of the injured Byars through much of last season. 

On the boys’ side, the Cards headed to Harrodsburg to play the Mercer County Titans (17-8). 

While they jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, holding the Titans to just four points and one field goal in the first quarter, the second quarter told a different story. 

The Cards were held to six points – 5 by Montez Gay – and headed into the halftime with a 20-14 lead in a low-scoring affair. 

However, the second half told a different story. 

Gay led the team with 17 points and the Cards – who scored 20 points in the fourth quarter – broke away for a 54-38 victory. 

“I thought we played really good defense…it was just a really gritty and physical game all around,” he said. 

While 6’5 Mercer County senior Trevor Ellis accounted for 22 points, GRC’s trio of Gay, Amari Bartelson, and Maddox Hager accounted for 35 total points. 

“When we play [with] the big [lineup], we’ve got to have production there,” said GRC Head Coach Josh Cook. “This was really good for us…against a very good team that’s got good pieces.” 

The game also served as a homecoming of sorts for Cook, who served as head coach at Mercer County prior to his current stint at GRC. 

“I got to see some of the former [players]. They’ve all got kids now, which makes me feel old,” he said, in jest. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to come back.” 

The 40th District Tournament will begin on Tuesday, February 24. 

In the upcoming final week of the regular season, the Lady Cards have a Senior Night matchup at GRC Arena against Henry Clay (9-16) on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. followed by the regular season finale at GRC Arena against Ashland Blazer (16-9) on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6:00 p.m. 

The Cards play in Frankfort against Western Hills (8-17) on Tuesday, Feb, 18, at 7:00 p.m., followed by the regular season finale at GRC Arena against Scott County (5-19) on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m.