George Rogers Clark. A feared name in basketball across the entire Bluegrass state. A night full of clashing every possession, scrambling for each loose ball, and clawing for every advantage you can get. GRC basketball is the name of success.

While an abundance of players have stepped on the court and fought quarter after quarter for the success of our school, one component remains constant – our fearless leaders.

WINCITY

Coach Josh Cook of WinCity and Coach Robbie Graham of GRC Hoops have catapulted our teams to the top in recent years. Their sheer devotion to the players, schemes, and the game of basketball itself has brought in trophies upon trophies to our now storied school.

“Both of the programs bring so much to Winchester,” says Morehead State basketball player Jerone Morton. “I am blessed that I had the opportunity to play for a program like GRC. I think the success of the programs has made a very special community. With both Coach Graham and Coach Cook I think the legacy there will definitely continue.”

Since 2016, Coach Josh Cook has taken the Cardinals further than they’ve ever been. With an astounding 219-47 record, multiple former players who have become collegiate athletes, and a state championship; Josh Cook is one of the greatest coaches that GRC has ever seen. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Coach Cook was attracted to GRC after running a successful program in Mercer County, taking that team to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 16 years.

“I thought it was an opportunity to build the program stronger than it ever was,” says Cook. “I can’t take responsibility for everything; it’s been a team effort from coaches, community, and all the people that have done behind-the-scenes work and made sure everyone was taken care of.”

Coach took that opportunity, and ran with it. A tradition of winning had been rightfully restored at GRC. Cook now focuses on what is right in front of him.

“I just want to continue to make each team the best it can be,” says Cook, “and continue building a program that competes at the highest possible level it can, a program that makes the community proud, and an unselfish program that people want to be part of.”

With the many players Cook has coached through the years, a constant always remains. Cook goes into each year with the same mindset:

“Play for something bigger than yourself. Sacrifice and in the end you’ll be rewarded.”

One of the early groups that Cook coached was able to do just that, winning the district title just the second year under Cook’s leadership.

“There was a certain swagger he had that was contagious, but that swagger comes from the hours and hours of work that he’s put in behind the scenes,” says Campbellsville Basketball player Jordan Graham. “The district title was just step one. You’re never satisfied with just a district title, but getting to win it for the first time and going into the region tournament gave us a lot of confidence.”

Since then the Cardinals have claimed five district championships, four region titles, an Elite Eight appearance, a state runner-up, and of course the state championship in 2022.

Although he has become a winning machine, Coach Cook doesn’t just produce good basketball. He also helps prepare his kids for what’s next and turns them into successful men throughout his program.

“Coach Cook is the best,” says University of Kentucky player Brennan Canada. “He helped me in every way possible, as well as all of the other coaches on that staff. He pushed me to be the best I could be, and brought the best out of me every day. He will hold you accountable, which I appreciated because it made me realize that he believed in me.”

HOOPS

GRC Hoops and the name of Coach Robbie Graham have become synonymous with each other. You can’t think about the amazing program without the legendary coach behind it.

In 2012, after being an assistant coach of the boys team for seven years, Coach Graham took the helm of GRC Hoops. Fired up with a goal to bring about a new era of GRC Hoops basketball.

“We wanted to bring a very aggressive play style,” says Graham. “As far as offensive tempo, we were gonna push the ball, and defensively, we would be known for man-to-man, hard-nosed physical play.”

Since Graham’s hiring, the girls team has won right at 75% of their games. That’s on pace with some of the best teams in the state over the past decade.

“The legacy of GRC Hoops is a special thing to not just be a part of, but to also to witness,” says University of Cincinnati freshman and former Hoops star Brianna Byars.

With Graham’s hiring, a new culture of greatness was upon GRC. Wins upon wins have piled up since.

Coach Graham has always focused on success on the court, as well as off of it. Graham retains the culture with three key principles.

“First of all you have to strive to be the best person you can be,” says Coach Graham. “Secondly, be the best student you can possibly be, and third is be the best basketball player you can be. Eventually the basketball will stop dribbling. We want to make sure we’re teaching these young ladies to be young ladies.”

Coach Graham believes firmly in helping nurture each and every one of his players past their respective careers.

“I wouldn’t have the confidence, work ethic, passion, or drive that I do today without playing for this program,” says former Hillsdale College player  Sydney Anderson. “This has significantly transferred over into my life as I’m now getting ready to complete my third year of medical school. This has been one of the biggest challenges so far, but I’ve worked hard and persisted thanks to the values that were instilled in me from playing basketball.”

Graham and his assistants have created a culture that transcends high school basketball completely. The Hoops program has been able to influence so many young women’s lives.

“Every girl that has graduated from our program has either finished college or is in college,” says Graham. “It’s a good feeling to know that your players are graduating, going to college, and being productive in life.”

A culmination of sacrifices, hard work, and all-around dedication has brought GRC Hoops to the top. Graham has helped to make one of the greatest programs for any young woman to be a part of.

“I feel as if it is one big family,” says Bri Byars. “No matter the gap of time between when two players might have played, everyone is unified. It will forever be one of the best programs in the state in my opinion.”