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It’s been said that any team willing to move on in the postseason must be able to demonstrate mental toughness. 

Such was the case on Thursday evening for the George Rogers Clark Cardinals’ basketball team. 

Despite losing a player to injury approximately midway through the second quarter, the Cards (29-2) banded together and defeated the Bourbon County Colonels (13-15) at GRC Arena 73-48 for their seventh consecutive 40th District Championship. 

“Our guys really stepped up. We were faced with a very tough situation,” said head coach Josh Cook. “I couldn’t be more proud.” 

The Cards entered the game as heavy favorites to repeat as 40th District Champions. 

However, the Bourbon County Colonels – considered by some to be one of the most improved teams of the last year – were not ready to go away without a fight. 

With junior Bradley Robinson leading the way via a trio of three-point baskets through the first ten minutes, GRC clung to a three-point lead near the midway point of the second quarter. 

Yet, as both offenses seemed to be in a groove, the game suddenly came to a halt. 

Sophomore point guard Malachi Ashford, who has helped the Cards this season by averaging 12.3 points per game, came down awkwardly on a shot attempt and immediately needed medical attention. 

After being taken to the hospital, he would later be diagnosed with a tibial tubercle fracture. 

With junior sixth-man Eli Craig, who was named MVP of the WinCity Holiday Classic Championship Game in December, now in the starting lineup and freshman Abrahm Howard receiving more playing time, the Cards would be thrust into an unfamiliar situation. 

Staying true to what has made them a consistent winner, they would respond. 

The Cards ended the second half on a 12-1 run following Ashford’s injury and outscored the Colonels by 11 points to roll to a convincing 73-48 victory. 

Senior Reshaun Hampton, playing his final game at GRC Arena, got the 12-1 run started immediately following the stoppage in play with a layup as he finished with 15 points for the evening. 

“We just tried to stay locked in. Things happen. We can’t control what happens,” he said. “Our prayers for Malachi. He’s our guy, [but] we just gotta keep going.” 

Freshman Montez Gay, starting in his first-ever district championship game, led the team in scoring with 20 points. 

Following the victory, another consecutive wins streak was recognized. 

Dating back to March 3, 2021, following a narrow loss to Madison Central, the Cards have now won 43 consecutive games at GRC Arena – including the postseason. 

“We’ve been playing behind real good players,” Hampton added. “We’ve played our role, and being able to just carry on a legacy of not losing in this gym is good.” 

Following a 10th Region draw, which took place on Saturday morning at Harrison County High School, the Cards are scheduled to take on Pendleton County (15-17) in the 10th Region quarterfinals at Mason County High School on Thursday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. 

Should they advance, the 10th Region semifinals will take place on Monday, March 11, with the 10th Region Championship Game on Tuesday, March 12.