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In a busy week for GRC basketball, some memorable games took place. 

Notably, the Cards finished their week as winners of a triple overtime thriller against rival Montgomery County in Mt. Sterling, while the Lady Cards – who competed in the Louisville Invitational Tournament – finished as runner-up. 

Early in the week, both the Lady Cards and Cards were successful in 40th District play. 

While the Lady Cards and Cards defeated Bourbon County 75-17 and 72-38 respectively on Tuesday, January 28, the Cards traveled to Paris the next day and emerged victorious by an 89-42 score. 

In that contest, they tied their season high for points scored in a game. 

“I thought [our] effort was really good. We had a pretty good warmup. They seemed locked in from the get-go”, said GRC Assistant Coach Taylor Howard. “I thought they did a really good job of making [that] extra pass…and running the floor.” 

Yet on Friday, January 31, the Cards knew they’d have their work cut out for them. 

Playing rival Montgomery County in Mt. Sterling, the Indians had shown notable improvement in the last few weeks thanks to the addition of senior Cayden Reed, who had become eligible to play approximately one week earlier. 

In an instant classic, both teams went back and forth. 

The Cards scored the first 7 points of the contest, dominated by play in the low post and forcing turnovers. 

However, the Indians came back and led by 10 points early in the second half. 

Reed, who scored 12 points in the second quarter, finished with a game- high 27 points. 

Yet the Cards would not be deterred. 

A pair of three point baskets by senior Eli Craig drew the score closer, and junior Malachi Ashford – finishing with a team-high 24 points – tied the score with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. 

After neither team scored, the game went into overtime. 

With neither team scoring in the first or second overtime, the Cards had a chance to win with final possession. 

However, both shots were near misses. 

The Indians also had a chance to take the lead late in both quarters at the free throw line, but came up just short both times. 

Finally, in the third overtime, the Cards broke through. 

After GRC secured the opening tip-off, Montez Gay was able to score the team’s first four points of the seventh period. 

The Cards concluded the third overtime on a 7-0 run, and came out of Mt. Sterling with a very hard-earned 80-72 triple overtime victory. 

With the victory, the Cards – who are 6-0 in 40th District Play – clinched the #1 seed for the District Tournament. 

“This is a great district win…tonight was all about toughness. We grew up tonight. I’m just really proud of our guys,” Coach Cook said. “Through the season, we’ve had some opportunities like that to be in really close games…and just to keep learning and believing in those situations. Keep fighting through.” 

On the other side, the Lady Cards were in Louisville this past weekend participating in the Louisville Invitational Tournament. 

Against defending 6th Region Champion Butler on Friday, January 30, the team broke out in the second quarter and moved on to a convincing 72-39 victory. 

The next day, playing an Assumption squad that entered the game with a 16-2 record, the Lady Cards were forced to battle as they entered the fourth quarter trailing. 

However, empowered by a pair of clutch three-point shots from game MVP Teigh Yates and a stellar fourth quarter defensive effort, the Lady Cards pulled through with a 58-52 victory. 

“We competed. We played hard. It was a tough game…against a very athletic team,” he said. “The girls did a very good job of making some adjustments, and we finished.”

After their victory, GRC advanced to the Louisville Invitational Tournament Championship Game later that night against top-ranked Sacred Heart. 

While sophomore Kennedy Stamper scored first, victory was not to be. 

Sacred Heart pulled away beginning in the second quarter, and the Lady Cards – who struggled offensively – fell by a 68-42 score. 

“[It’s] a tough way to go down…but tomorrow’s a new day, and we’ll get back to work,” Coach Graham said. “We’ve got to keep grinding…stay focused, stay positive, [and] stay together.” 

Coach Graham acknowledged that playing in a tournament with several great teams was advantageous for the team. 

“This is a heck of a tournament. You don’t come here for easy games. You come here to get better,” he said. “It’s good to do that.” 

The Lady Cards (14-6) continue their season this week beginning with a road matchup against Montgomery County (15-7) on Tuesday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m. 

The Cards (17-3) are back at play beginning with a home matchup against Lexington Catholic (13-8) on Tuesday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m.