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Beginning June 25, a two-week “dead period” in which activities associated with KHSAA teams will take place.

Beforehand, the Cards and Lady Cards basketball teams of George Rogers Clark High School want one more opportunity to show kids the game.

On June 20 and 21, the Future Cards basketball camp occurred at GRC between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

“We wanted to do something for our incoming kids that were going to be in our feeder program relatively quick,” said GRC Head Boys Basketball Coach Josh Cook. “It’s a lot of fundamentals. It’s a lot of terminology and then an opportunity to compete a little bit as well.”

The event – which featured a maximum capacity of 35 boys and girls – was free for fifth through eighth-grade students of Clark County Schools.

Along with coaches, the camp was set up with assistance from the Clark County Public Schools administration – namely Superintendent Dustin Howard and Chief Operations Officer Brandon Watkins.

Those interested in signing up could do so via an online form.

During the three-hour sessions, student-athletes went through various drills led by coaches and others designed to improve their level of play.

For example, William Brown – an assistant coach for the Lady Cards – guided students through footwork drills, emphasizing balance and ensuring feet were shoulder-width apart.

As many in the community know, GRC’s boys and girls basketball teams are no secret to success.

While the Cards finished as state champions in 2022 and runner-up in 2023, the Lady Cards respectively made it to the Elite Eight and Final Four over both seasons.

As such, with returning athletes on hand to serve as assistant coaches along with Cook and GRC Girls Basketball Coach Robbie Graham, Winchester’s future talent had plenty to learn from.

Senior Makili Tabor, a valuable sixth player off the bench on last year’s 10th Region Champion and Final Four squad, was asked what she looked to see.

“Better passing, and looking for open players whenever they’re dribbling up and down the court,” she said. “Looking for open shots and taking good ones, [and] making layups.”

Reshaun Hampton, the lone returning starter from last year’s runner-up team, also helped guide others.

“If any kids need advice, I’m here to help them,” he said. “I’ve been on this team for a while now. I really want to see them work on their ball handling…that’s actually a big thing.”

With much to learn, Coach Cook hopes this future squad of players can help assemble the next wave of top-level Cardinal and Lady Cardinal teams.

“They really have a chance for a couple days to really develop,” Cook said. [It’s] a great opportunity for our program.”