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The George Rogers Clark High School basketball teams had an eventful week of games last week, though a more eventful experience lay just ahead. 

GRC concluded their regular season – each with a pair of victories – while the 40th District Tournament at Paris High School will begin in the last week of February. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, both had matchups scheduled. 

The Lady Cards hosted the Henry Clay Lady Blue Devils, and – with it being Senior Night – a group that included Ciara Byars, Jailenn Green, Khania Jones, Amyah Maxwell, and Maddie Settles were recognized. 

All five made up the starting lineup as well. 

Though competitive early on, the game quickly favored the Lady Cards, as ferocious defense and stellar offense helped the team pull away for a convincing 72-31 victory. 

“Coming here this year, it [has been] just a very good time, and I love this team,” said Maxwell, who was making her first start of the season along with Settles. “It…definitely feels good to be in the starting five. I just knew that [we] had to come out and play and just work hard every minute.” 

Meanwhile, in Frankfort, the Cards took on the Western Hills Wolverines (9-19). 

The Wolverines, playing inspired basketball on their own Senior Night, surprised many by shooting effectively en route to a 15-point lead at the end of the opening quarter. 

However, in what turned out to be a critical momentum shift, the Cards opened the second quarter on a 15-0 run to tie the contest. 

Though Western Hills kept it competitive, even holding a one-possession lead as late as halfway through the fourth quarter, GRC pulled away late and held on for a 78-73 win. 

Conner Morguson aided the team’s victory by scoring a season-high 17 points. 

Two days later, off the success of this game, Morguson saw his first varsity start as GRC took on the Scott County Cardinals (6-20). 

GRC exited with a 15-14 lead in a competitive first quarter. 

However, the second and third quarters told a different story. 

GRC broke away for an 18-point lead at the end of the second quarter and a 30-point lead at the end of three quarters, concluding with an 80-56 victory. 

“I’m proud of the guys [and] proud of the [regular] season we had. We’re just trying to get better,” said Head Coach Josh Cook. “We know the next couple chapters come in the postseason, so we know that’s where our focus is and where our minds need to be.” 

Earlier in the evening, the Lady Cards took the floor against the Ashland Blazer Lady Kittens (17-10). 

Just one year ago, when the Lady Cards traveled to Ashland for a game, the Lady Kittens won in overtime in what many considered an upset victory. 

At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Cards held to a 4-point victory. 

However, like the Cards, the second and third quarters told a different story. 

The Lady Cards pulled away for a 22-point halftime lead and extended it in the 4th quarter en route to a 68-38 victory. 

“Our mentality was [that] this is game one of our postseason,” said Head Coach Robbie Graham. “We were glad to get this win.[it] gives [us] a little momentum.” 

The games served as regular season finales, and each was also the final home game for seniors, including Eli Craig and Ciara Byars. 

“It all goes by super quick,” Craig said. “I enjoyed it.” 

“To be able to play in front of a great community that welcomed me from day one…means the world,” said Byars. “I’m thankful.” 

Prior to the game, Coach Cook and Coach Graham received a standing ovation from the crowd after being named the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches (KABC) 10th Region Coaches of the Year. 

The Lady Cards (20-7) tip-off against Bourbon County (14-16) in the 40th District Tournament semifinals at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, while the Cards (24-4) tip-off against host Paris (9-18) on Tuesday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m. 

The victors will play in the 40th District Tournament Championship Game, with the girls’ edition happening on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7:00 p.m. and the boys’ edition on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m.