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Along with the prospects of an upcoming season, one thought that’s been on the minds of many George Rogers Clark basketball fans lately has been the question of where some star players would go to continue their playing days after high school.

Following last week, this mystery no longer remains for one of GRC’s key players.

Jerone Morton, the 6’4″ 165 lb. starting guard for the defending state champion Cardinals, will attend Morehead State University on a basketball scholarship.

“I like the coaching staff. I like their offense. It felt like it was right when they would talk to me”, said Morton. “[There is] a lot of pick and roll…What they have there is just good with the way I play.”

“I’m excited for Jerone. I think it’s a good choice”, said George Rogers Clark Head Coach Josh Cook. “Morehead’s getting a special player that most definitely is a winner. It’s a great deal for both sides.”

Morton, a senior, headed into this past year’s 2022 UK Healthcare Boys’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament as the team’s leading scorer with 712 points, averaging 18.7 per game.

Though GRC’s state-leading offense was challenged at times during the contests, Morton showed no signs of slowing down en route to being named Tournament MVP. He led the team in scoring with 14 points in the 43-42 win over Warren Central to help GRC take home its first state championship in basketball since 1951.

Morton had previously spoken with Morehead State coaches and had the opportunity to visit the school, where he could watch current players in action.

“Just watching them practice and stuff like that made me want to be out there”, he said. “I could just see myself in their offense.”

The news drew excitement from several sources online, including former GRC teammate Aden Slone.

“Things are just getting started for my boy”, Slone said via his Twitter account.

Along with Morehead State University, Morton fielded offers from Eastern Kentucky University, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Eagles, coached by Preston Spradlin, narrowly missed the 2022 NCAA Tournament when they suffered a four point defeat in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game against Murray State. Just one year earlier, as Ohio Valley Conference champions, they entered the tournament as a #14 seed before losing in their opening matchup to the University of West Virginia Mountaineers.

Coach Cook believes Jerone’s tools will be a future asset and can help lead Morehead State forward.

“His work ethic is arguably one of the best I’ve ever been around, and he wants to win”, said Cook. “Those two things are hard to come by…He’s a very talented kid, but his work ethic and wanting to win has separated him from a lot of other kids.”

As well as basketball, Morton can also be found on the gridiron for the Cards this year as a wide receiver.

It’s safe to say that before he changes flocks and becomes an Eagle, Cardinal fans will look forward to another year with Morton in the field and on the court.