Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In Morehead, the basketball team typically talked about is the Morehead State Eagles – the current home of former George Rogers Clark basketball superstar Jerone Morton.

However, the weekend before Christmas brought joy for the 2023-24 GRC boys basketball team.

The Cards improved their record to 7-0 following consecutive victories against Pike County Central High School (1-4) and Breathitt County High School (4-1) during the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Challenge at Rowan County High School.

The opening contest, played on Friday, Dec. 15th, showcased the Cards take on a determined Pike County Central Hawks basketball team.

While GRC jumped out to an early 9-1 advantage, the Hawks narrowed the lead to four points with a strong finish to the opening quarter.

Yet it would not deter the Cards.

Senior Reshaun Hampton (20 points, 5 rebounds) delivered a three-point shot as the period came to a close, extending the lead to 20-13.

It would pay dividends as the first half concluded, with the Cards holding a 33-30 advantage.

Pike County Central narrowed their deficit to one point in the third quarter on different occasions.

However, in the closing minutes, the Cards showed the resiliency that has made them a consistent contender during the past few years.

They built the lead back up to five, with a 54-49 lead at the end of three quarters.

Thanks to a pair of steals and scores by Hampton, plus four key points down the stretch by freshman Montez Gay (9 points, 7 rebounds), the Cards extended their advantage and came through with a 75-62 victory.

In addition to Hampton’s 20 points, the Cards were led by 17 from senior Breland Morrison and 15 from sophomore Malachi Ashford.

Just one day later, the Cards took on the Breathitt County Bobcats.

As defending 14th Region Champions, the well-respected Bobcats started their season undefeated and averaged 85 points per game.

However, the Cards’ offense and team defense made a statement.

GRC jumped out to a 31-8 lead after the first quarter, and moved on to an 85-52 victory.

They were led by Gay, who scored a season-high 21 points and came just shy of a double-double with nine rebounds.

After outsourcing the Bobcats 24-9 in the third quarter, the Cards were able to facilitate a running clock early in the final period.

Senior Breland Morrison added 20 points, while Hampton and Ashford each contributed 14.

Hampton and fellow senior JP Gaines tied for the second-most rebounds, each having seven.

The Cards’ season continues this week, beginning with a 6:00 p.m. matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 20th, against Lafayette (3-6) in the WinCity Holiday Classic at GRC Arena.

One day later, they’ll play either Somerset (6-1) or Rowan County (5-3) at the same location in their final matchup before Christmas, with game time yet to be announced.