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While the NCAA celebrates March as the month when college teams play in the championship tournament, sometimes called March Madness, KHSAA celebrates the same among its high school teams. 

Now entering single-game elimination, both the Lady Cards and Cards have advanced to their respective 10th Region Tournament(s). 

On Monday night, the Lady Cards got the girls’ tournament started – and came out with a bang! 

Scoring the game’s first seven points in just thirty seconds, the Lady Cards (28-4) got off to an early lead and kept building as they moved forward to a 61-33 victory over the Scott Lady Eagles (17-14) in a 10th Region quarterfinal game at Bourbon County High School. 

“Scott’s a very strong, physical team. We knew it would be a physical game,” said head coach Robbie Graham. “We wanted to make them run. We wanted to get out and get some baskets in transition. We felt like our pressure would get to them a little bit.” 

Right off the opening tip, junior Khania Jones delivered an assist to freshman Kennedy Stamper – who knocked down two points for a quick score. 

Following a steal from Jones, who previously played at Central Hardin, sophomore Teigh Yeast was able to knock down a quick three-point shot for a 5-0 lead. 

After another steal, this one by Stamper, senior Makili Tabor was fouled on her way to the basket and quickly knocked down both free throws. 

The Lady Cards had put the Lady Eagles on their heels before Scott had an opportunity to attempt even its first shot.

“I just knew not to get in my head and just play my game.” said Jones, who finished with eight points. 

Still, the Lady Cards’ faced some adversity. 

After freshman Kennedy Stamper, a three-year starter who has already drawn interest from several colleges, was forced to sit following two fouls, the team turned to its bench. 

Having preached being ready to play all season, the Lady Cards’ wouldn’t slow down. 

While players like Annette Miller, Kyleigh Chestnut and Jaylynn Goodwin took to the floor, junior Jailenn Green – who has started at times this year yet also seen time in the number six spot – led the way offensively with 21 points. 

Ten of those 21 points came in the second quarter as the Lady Cards’ burst out to a 33-point halftime advantage. 

“I’ve been in the gym over the weekend and I had to find my shot again,” said Green. “I’ve got to play my part. I know I can come in and pick up [my teammate’s] part, and then she can pick it up as we go.” 

Later on in the evening, the Mason County Lady Royals would defeat the Nicholas County Lady Jackets 56-52. 

As a result, the Lady Cards will play the Lady Royals (21-11) in the 10th Region semifinals on Friday, March 8, at 6:00 p.m. at Bourbon County High School. 

As for boys’ basketball, the Cards will play in the 10th Region tournament with a quarterfinals matchup against the Pendleton County Wildcats (15-17) on Thursday at Mason County High School.

The two met earlier this season on Dec. 7, with the Cards prevailing 92-47.