WinCity and GRC Hoops are in great shape to make extensive playoff runs. As both teams claimed victory over the 40th District in some exciting tournament play, they will tip off this week against the next round of competition.
“Big plays, great games, and wins,” senior Reshaun Hampton responded when asked what Cardinal fans can expect during the postseason.
GRC Hoops took down Montgomery County 68-43 en route to their 11th straight district championship. The reign over the district is alive and well as the girls took care of business.
“It feels great to win it again,” says Coach Robbie Graham. “District is a big part of our schedule every year and is always one of our goals.”
The boys defeated the Colonels of Bourbon County 73-48 Thursday night. Their win marked seven straight district titles for the program.
“Feels good to win,” says Coach Josh Cook. ‘It hurts to see one of our guys go out, but the guys pulled together.”
GRC HOOPS
GRC Hoops are playing in the 10th Region Tournament in Bourbon County, tipping off tonight in Game 1 against Scott High.
“Our archrival Montgomery County who we’ve played in the district and region final the past couple years, Campbell County, Scott High — there are a lot of teams in the region that are playing good basketball,” says Graham.
The girls will have an uphill battle in the tournament without Ciara Byars. Byars went out with an injury in early January. The whole team has had to adjust without her presence in the paint.
“Heck of a player, heck of a leader, and a top notch person,” says Coach Graham. “We still gotta keep going. We told the girls, everyone’s gotta do a little more, lead a little more, play a little harder. Thankfully everyone has done their part and really stepped it up.”
The team has obviously adjusted after the injury, making a very strong finish to the season. With strong additions to the team this year, the girls have rallied and are ready to play.
“From here on out it’s one-and-done,” says sophomore Teigh Yeast. “We got to take care of business every night.”
Tonight will be the first time the Cardinals have played the Eagles this year. Confidence is high for the girls as they have been on a hot streak recently. All the girls in the locker room are excited for more postseason action.
WINCITY
WinCity will head to Mason County for the 10th Region Tournament, opening Thursday against Pendleton County. A list of very solid opponents all come into the tournament with their eyes set on GRC.
It won’t be an easy path to the championship as the 10th Region is one of the most competitive. With teams like Campbell and Mason, WinCity’s road to Rupp is as difficult as ever.
“The biggest challenge will definitely be coming together as a team after losing our point guard and trying to figure out how to make things click,” says senior JP Gaines.
The boys will enter the tournament ranked 1st in the region. Ready to take on a challenge, the Cards will have to fight hard.
“You have to take it one game at a time,” says Coach Cook. “Got to make sure your mind is in the right place this time of the season. We’re gonna be doing whatever we can to make our team advance.”
Everyone on the team is now playing with a chip on their shoulders. A different level of competitiveness is on the minds of the boys as they prepare to compete.
“One man down means next man up,” says Hampton. “Campbell County and Scott high are some of the teams we’re looking out for. We just have to stay locked in and believe in ourselves. We are definitely prepared.”
Having taken care of business against Pendleton County in their first encounter, the Cards are prepared to take them on again.
“We’ll play our regular style of basketball,” says senior Breland Morrison. “Get the ball up the court, find the open man, defend well, and win the game.”
With the whole town behind them, WinCity is more than ambitious to get started with region play.
GRAPHICS BY EMMIE ROSE
