For what feels like every season, GRC Hoops are anticipating a deep post-season run.
The girls have dominated the district and region in recent years. They are looking to secure their 12th straight district championship, along with their 4th straight region title.
Head coach Robbie Graham has his mind set on continuing this run of dominance.
“Our goals each year are that we want to be the No. 1 seed in the district and region and win both tournaments,” said Graham. “Each year it’s a different group of players. Anytime we can win a championship game, it’s always exciting for our players, for our program, for our community, and for our school.”
Despite playing well, Coach Graham knows his team still has room for improvement.
“We’ve had some really dismal shooting nights,” he said. “We haven’t been shooting the ball very well, so that’s something we’ve got to get better at. Rebounding is always something we work on and talk about because winning the rebound battle is a big part of winning games.”
This group of players have battled tons of adversity. Many players have missed time through injury.
With players hurt, having the type of depth GRC Hoops has can make all the difference.
“It’s been a blessing to have this much depth,” said Coach Graham. “I mean, it’s tough to overcome injuries when you don’t have a lot of depth but fortunately this year we have some. It’s kind of the next girl up mentality. Some of our younger players have really stepped up and filled the void and we’ve got to keep going.”
One injury GRC has dealt with is senior Ciara Byars, who suffered a torn ACL in January of 2024. Getting her back has been a blessing.
“She brings something to the team that we don’t have,” said Graham. “She’s our 6-2 post player. She can score inside, she can score outside, she can rebound, she passes the ball well, and she leads the team in blocked shots. It adds a dynamic to our team. Having her back has been a blessing for sure.”
Byars noted the gauntlet GRC has faced so far this season.
“We played against the top competition in the country and the best teams,” said Byars. There are about one or two teams that can come close to that level of competition in Kentucky. Playing out-of-state competition prepared us and allowed us to just go out there and play and see where we stand in the country.”
Byars pointed out what GRC can do to reach the top.
“We need to work on cutting more and moving without the ball,” she said. “We play together as a team well and we defend really well so I think that working on movement would make us a whole lot better.”
GRC’s defense has laid the foundation for a successful season. It is clearly the team’s strong point.
“Our biggest strength as a team is our defense and how we are able to turn the other team over constantly,” said junior Annette Miller. “Being able to apply pressure the full game and wear the opponent down is such a huge factor in our games.”
The team has focused on a few skills to get ready for postseason basketball.
“We have prepared for the post season by focusing on sharpening our fundamental skills, game-like situations, maintaining a strong mental focus, and ensuring proper nutrition and rest to be ready,” said sophomore Kennedy Stamper. “We need to make sure these skills are at the best they can be in order to be successful.”
Having Coach Graham to help the team prepare is a huge advantage, and could make the difference in some extra wins.
“Having a coach who thoroughly understands the game is extremely important,” said Stamper. He can develop effective strategies, adapt to changing situations during play, and ultimately guide the team toward success.”
GRC’s expectations are high, even beyond the district and region level.
“The expectation for the rest of the season is to win district, region, and state,” said Miller. “We have been going after a state title for many years now and we are tired of falling short. Everybody on the team is pouring everything they have into the last few weeks of the season so we can reach our highest potential.”
Feb. 26: 40th District Tournament Championship vs Montgomery County – 7 pm at Paris
