Preseason Team Preview: GRC

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Photo Credit: Lovell Martin Jr</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George Rogers Clark is entering their 11th season under Head Coach Robbie Graham. They posted a 28-8 record last season, which is impressive considering their strength of schedule playing against in-state and out-of-state competition. GRC went 12-0 in region play winning the 10th region for the second year in a row giving them 7 in total under Coach Graham. They fell just short in the Final 4 matchup against Sacred Heart who went on to win the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row. The Lady Cardinals loaded up their roster with a few talented transfers over the summer and are seeking their first KHSAA state championship in program history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Projected Starting Lineup:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='311967' first='Ciara' last='Byars']-Ranked 36th in the class of 2025 by ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. Led the team in scoring last season averaging 18.2 points per game also the teams leading rebounder with 8.2. Currently holds 23 D1 offers. She will be the catalyst to GRC's success this season. (Featured Image)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='403466' first='Khania' last='Jones']-(Transfer) Finished last season averaging a double-double for Central Hardin. Scoring 10.5 points a game along with a team leading 11.1 rebounds. Jones will make an impact on both ends of the floor with her length, athleticism, and ability to defend and score inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='376806' first='Teigh' last='Yeast']-(Transfer) Picked up a D1 offer last week. Helped Mercer County make it to the Sweet 16 last season. Was the second leading scorer with 13 points per game. Led the team in rebounds with 5.7 a game. Yeast has premier speed and athleticism, plays hard on both ends of the floor, very effective slashing the paint for points inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='376804' first='Anaya' last='Chestnut']-Averaged 5.8 points a game last season. Was at her best late in the season and shined bright in the state tournament. Chestnut is a tenacious on-ball defender that can knock down the three-ball consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='739686' first='Kennedy' last='Stamper']-Holds 4 D1 offers. Considered the top 2027 prospect in the state. Averaged 8.7 points a game last season. Stamper is an elite ball handler that can get anywhere she wants on the floor. She is also a crafty finisher with a nice layup package. Can create scoring opportunities for herself and others. Solid perimeter shooter as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Reserves:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='631218' first='Jailenn' last='Green']-(Transfer) Was the main scoring threat for Bryan Station last season. Led the team with 14.1 points a game. "JG" is a lethal three-point shooter with a silky smooth left-hand shooting stroke. She scores points in bunches. Could be the unsung hero for GRC this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='667087' first='Makili' last='Tabor']-Holds 1 college offer. Averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds a game last season. Tabor can defend the perimeter and the post. She is a high IQ player that seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Tabor is entering her senior year so her leadership and experience will be much needed this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='572289' first='Annette' last='Miller']-Found her groove mid-season last year. Became more effective as her minutes increased. Miller averaged 2.0 points a game as freshman but could be the most improved player this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1003213' first='Jaylynn' last='Goodwin']-Played in all 35 games last season. Goodwin competes hard on both ends, she is a poised ball-handler that knows her role. She doesn't force it just plays her game and does what it takes to win. Could possibly make a bigger impact offensively this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='963013' first='Kyleigh' last='Chestnut']-Only played in 16 games as a 7th grader. Tough competitor on both ends. Really good spot-up shooter behind the arc. Can score in the paint as well. Will get better and better as she continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='652045' first='Kyleigh' last='Stakelin']-Appeared in 15 games as an 8th grader last season. Stakelin has improved a lot over the summer and looks to have a bigger role her freshman year. She has good size and length. Solid rebounder and a deadly three-point shooter that could be a potential offensive weapon for GRC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->