After a year of waiting and preparing, GRC Hoops is back hungrier then ever before. After sweeping the 40th District to win the title for the ninth straight year, GRC Hoops gears up for the 10th Region and potentially a run at the State Championship. 

“They want it badly,” says GRC Hoops head coach Robbie Graham. “It’s been motivation all year. Last year’s semi-finals loss to Bishop Brossart, the eventual 10th Region Champs, left a bad taste in my girls’ mouths that I don’t think they’ll be able to get out until we’re back at Rupp Arena.” 

GRC Hoops has accomplished incredible milestones this year through their #1 ranking, 25-2 regular season record, and their holiday classic championships, but to them it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is hoisting up the 10th Region championship trophy and eventually the State Championship trophy. 

“Going into region, we are taking a one-game-at-a-time approach,” says freshman phenom Ciara Byars. “People are always gonna have something to say. I find it easy to block the hate out and stay humble. We just want to win it all. My team has the grit, intensity, and power to win it all.  You’ll be hearing from us a lot this post-season.”

The young star has quickly become a vital part to the Lady Cards’ success, averaging 17.7 points per game with 7.3 rebounds per game. She’s a large puzzle piece to the Cards’ success. Her vision and leadership at a young age is why she has already attracted the attention of major Division 1 teams.

But Ciara isn’t the only Byars sister who dominates. Big sister Brianna Byars, who’s averaging 15.7 ppg with 5.2 rpg, has multiple Division 1 offers already and is as dominant. Even though Bri is only a junior she has been a complete floor leader for GRC Hoops. These two sisters are built from a different cut and are gonna be hard to stop for teams in the 10th and at Rupp Arena. 

“We aren’t done yet,” says Brianna Byars. “There are no second chances; it’s win or go home. Everyone understands it’s gonna take every ounce of everyone’s strengths and abilities to reach Rupp. The teams from here on out are legit; we aren’t taking any team lightly. The things people say about us won’t matter when we win three and hold the Region trophy up and then win four and hold the State championship trophy up. Rankings are great and all but, at the end of the day the only thing that matters is cutting down the nets in Rupp Arena.”

The Lady Cards dominated the 40th District tournament taking care of Bourbon County 74-20 and then beating Montgomery for the 17th straight time, 70-53.

The Byars sisters are a special duo, but North Alabama signee, senior Tyra Flowers, also is a vital piece to the Lady Cards’ success. She does her work in the shadows and will beat you from both the paint and the perimeter. Passing up her own glory and success for the success of the team is what sets her apart. She’s averaging 8.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg. At any given time Flowers can take over and dominate you just like the double-trouble duo.

“This team is special,” says Coach Graham. “They’re a great group of kids who are easily motivated and their camaraderie speaks wonders on and off the court. It’s easy to see that. We have the experience and the perseverance to do great things this postseason.” 

GRC Hoops opens up regional play tonight at Nicholas County High school against Pendleton County at 7:45. The Lady Cards are a sight to see. You don’t want to miss out on their road to Rupp.