On The Road To Glory: RDC TO GRC

Robert D Campbell Middle School had an outstanding 2022 campaign. They finished 15-1 in the regular season, and 24-5 record overall including tournament play. They were the Bluegrass Conference Southern Division Champions, Conference Tournament Champions, and KBC Elite 8 finishers. RDC is led by Head Coach Juan Byars, and Assistant Coaches: Teresa Palmer, Sarah Ervin, and Anovia Byars. RDC have been building their reputation off of defense. They apply full court pressure for most of the game and having such a deep rotation really works in their favor. There are many reasons why the RDC/GRC programs are becoming the standard for Kentucky Girls Basketball. Some say it's the unconditional support from the community and local AAU programs that have been developing these young girls since as early as the 3rd grade. Yet, you also have to consider the hard work and countless hours in the gym that they put in during the offseason. But as we all know one of the biggest influences to their success is Robbie Graham, Head Coach of the George Rogers Clark Girls Basketball team. Coach Graham along with his staff have been heavily involved with the Middle School program since day one and they attend the games quite frequently. Coach Graham sets high standards for his players in the classroom and on the court he also promotes a "family" atmosphere that really resonates with the core values of the parents, players, faculty, and the community. This formula has been effective to say the least, when the RDC girls are called up to play for GRC they already know the expectations and are able to transition successfully and produce almost immediately.   Below are players that made a major impact for RDC this season and that will transition into big time contributors for GRC.    [player_tooltip player_id='652045' first='Kyleigh' last='Stakelin'] is a combo guard with extraordinary height, length, and skills. She is a pass first player with tremendous ball handling ability that allows her to get to the rim at will. She has a picture perfect shooting form and she is a marksman from the three point line. Stakelin displays leadership and a high IQ on the court. With her work ethic, determination, and love for the game she will certainly shine for GRC the next few years.     The Nationally Ranked 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='502266' first='Kennedy' last='Stamper'] has rightfully earned her status and reputation as one of the top players in the Bluegrass state. Stamper is an incredible ball handler and passer. She is shifty, quick, and has several crossover moves she uses to break down the defender in efforts to penetrate the lane, to either kick it out to an open teammate or finish with a spectacular layup at the rim. Stamper was a huge part of RDC's success this season. I expect her numbers to rise this year for RGC.    [player_tooltip player_id='963013' first='Kyleigh' last='Chestnut'] is a fierce competitor with real passion for the game and her will to win really gives her an edge on the court. Chestnut has a good all-around game she can do damage from the perimeter and in the post. She gets a lot of her points off of hustle plays and just being in the right place at the time. Chestnut is the perfect teammate she uplifts her team on and off the court. She will be a household name at GRC before you know it.    Aaliyah Graham has great size and strength making her a force in the interior. Physicality is big part of her game. But her leaping ability helps her rebound at a high level. Graham has good instincts and anticipation on defense she plays the passing lanes well allowing her to come up with steals during the full court press. As she continues to gain more confidence in her game. Graham could be a contributor for GRC sooner than you think.    Caroline Banks is a two sport athlete playing soccer and basketball. Her skills from the soccer field translate well on the basketball court. Banks is an intense on-ball defender, she uses her agility and lateral quickness to keep ball handlers in front of her. Banks has a solid offensive game as well she can consistently hit mid range jump shots and get to rim for layups inside. She plays hard on both ends of the floor and she has the energy, and endurance to play the entire game.    Emma Cecil has made improvements to her game every year. She was a big contributor off the bench for RDC this season. Cecil is a solid all round player she can handle the ball well and score when she has opportunities. Cecil shines most on the defensive end she plays aggressive and uses her quick hands to come up with steals. As she continues to develop Cecil can become a solid role player for GRC.    Emma Roberts hasn't played basketball very long but she has great upside as a post player. Roberts has nice footwork down low and as she develops her technique and finds ways to score inside she will be a serious threat on offense. Roberts can rebound the ball well and she gets a lot of her points off put backs.    [player_tooltip player_id='965801' first='Lily' last='Ervin'] is a talented young player with loads of potential. She plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor. Ervin is a blur in transition she loves to push the pace and score layups on the the fast break. She produces on defense as well getting multiple steals a game off the full court press. Ervin will make a name for herself at GRC just like she's doing at RDC.

Robert D Campbell Middle School had an outstanding 2022 campaign. They finished 15-1 in the regular season, and 24-5 record overall including tournament play. They were the Bluegrass Conference Southern Division Champions, Conference Tournament Champions, and KBC Elite 8 finishers. RDC is led by Head Coach Juan Byars, and Assistant Coaches: Teresa Palmer, Sarah Ervin, and Anovia Byars. RDC have been building their reputation off of defense. They apply full court pressure for most of the game and having such a deep rotation really works in their favor. There are many reasons why the RDC/GRC programs are becoming the standard for Kentucky Girls Basketball. Some say it's the unconditional support from the community and local AAU programs that have been developing these young girls since as early as the 3rd grade. Yet, you also have to consider the hard work and countless hours in the gym that they put in during the offseason. But as we all know one of the biggest influences to their success is Robbie Graham, Head Coach of the George Rogers Clark Girls Basketball team. Coach Graham along with his staff have been heavily involved with the Middle School program since day one and they attend the games quite frequently. Coach Graham sets high standards for his players in the classroom and on the court he also promotes a "family" atmosphere that really resonates with the core values of the parents, players, faculty, and the community. This formula has been effective to say the least, when the RDC girls are called up to play for GRC they already know the expectations and are able to transition successfully and produce almost immediately.