The final week of the regular season is upon us, and the Road to Rupp officially begins next week across the Commonwealth.

It feels like the ball just went up on opening night, yet here we are with the postseason already staring everyone in the face. What began as a long road of unknowns has suddenly become a sprint to the finish, with every possession now carrying a little more weight and every team hoping they’ve saved their best basketball for March Madness. The season may have gone by fast, but the stakes are about to slow everything down, because the postseason is looming, and that’s when every moment matters.

In the girls’ 10th Region, four‑time defending champion George Rogers Clark has been the class of the field from day one. Nothing they’ve done this season suggests otherwise. A fifth straight regional crown feels less like a possibility and more like an expectation, now just three weeks away.

The trio chasing them, Campbell County, Bishop Brossart, and Montgomery County, all have enough firepower to make things interesting. But to knock off Robbie Graham’s loaded squad, a team would have to play nearly flawless basketball… and even that might not be enough. Yes, Clark is that good, and yes, they are absolutely capable of cutting down the nets at Rupp next month. The mid‑season addition of eighth‑grade standout Jylin Edmonson, a Boyd County transfer who averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds for a 16th Region contender, only strengthened an already elite roster. When Boyd defeated Montgomery County earlier this season at the Kelly Holiday Classic, Edmonson posted 19 points and 5 rebounds, then followed it with 18 and 7 in a regular‑season rematch, proof of the kind of impact player GRC just added.

Elsewhere in the region, Campbell County, locked into my No. 2 spot all season, became the first team to officially punch its ticket to the 10th Region Tournament. Their three‑team district setup awarded them a bye into the 37th District Championship as the regular‑season top seed, as the winner and runner-up of each district advance to region play.

Last week’s biggest results included No. 2 Campbell County’s statement win over No. 4 Montgomery County and Nicholas County’s revenge victory over Pendleton County, tightening the race in the middle of the rankings.

Below is a team‑by‑team look at last week’s action and my updated 10th Region rankings heading into the final week. All player statistics are based on information submitted to the KHSAA website as of this writing.

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1. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK (22-2) – How good is Robbie Graham’s team as they prepare for their season‑ending showdown with defending five‑time state champion Sacred Heart? The answer is simple: unbelievably good. The top‑ranked Lady Cardinals, winners of 13 straight, are the No. 1 scoring team in Kentucky, averaging just under 70 points per game. Defensively, they’re just as dominant, allowing only 37 points per outing, the eighth‑best mark in the state. Their average margin of victory sits at 31 points, second best statewide. They also rank eighth in total field‑goal percentage at 45.9%, 29th at the free‑throw line at 70.1%, and 34th in three‑point shooting. In short, they check every box of a championship‑caliber team.

GRC opened last week with a gritty 56-51 overtime win over Portsmouth (OH), one of the top programs in Ohio. From there, the Lady Cards rolled through tradition‑rich DuPont Manual, then widened the gap between themselves and the rest of the 10th Region with a convincing Valentine’s Day victory over 9th Region contender Notre Dame. And today, they delivered their most emphatic statement yet, blasting Louisville Butler, the No. 1‑ranked team in the 6th Region, by a stunning 73-34 margin. If the goal was to remind the rest of Kentucky just how serious this group is about winning a state title, mission accomplished.

Three players average double figures for the Cardinals in junior Kennedy Stamper (13.1 ppg), senior Teigh Yeast (12.2 ppg), and sophomore Kyleigh Chestnut (11.0 ppg). Eighth grader Eliyah Strode adds 9.6 points and a team‑best 5.8 rebounds per game. All four shoot better than 47% from the field, while Yeast is hitting 41% from three‑point range. Stamper and Chestnut are both converting 83% of their free throws, giving GRC efficiency at every level of the floor.

Next up for GRC Hoops will be Tuesday’s showdown with Sacred Heart as GRC heads back to the Ville. The Valkyries have beaten the Lady Cards 10 straight times, including four state‑tournament meetings, most recently last year’s state championship game. If there’s ever been a moment for GRC to flip the script, this is it. On Friday, Coach Graham’s team is scheduled to play Region 11 power Frederick Douglass in the Legacy Classic at Kentucky State University. GRC defeated the Broncos 70-67 back on December 20 in Douglass’ Holiday Showcase.

2. CAMPBELL COUNTY (19-4) – Coach Davey Johnson’s Lady Camels continue to justify their hold on the No. 2 spot, navigating one of the region’s toughest schedules. Last week was another strong showing, as Campbell County picked up wins over Dixie Heights and No. 4 Montgomery County, two victories that further solidified their status as the top challenger to GRC.

Senior standout Isabella Jayasuriya, who recently surpassed the 1,500‑point mark for her career, powered the Lady Camels past Dixie Heights with a dominant 22‑point, 16‑rebound performance. She had plenty of help, as senior Madeleine Barbian added 15 points and sophomore Addie Davis chipped in 11. Against Montgomery County, it was senior Faith Whitford who took center stage, leading the way with 18 points. Barbian followed with 17, sophomore Kendall Augsback contributed 15, and Jayasuriya closed out the night with 12 points and 9 rebounds, another example of Campbell County’s balanced.

Jayasuriya continues to lead the team statistically with 15.7 points and 10 rebounds per game. Augsback adds 10.9 points per outing for a Campbell County squad that ranks as the 10th‑best scoring team in the state, while also sitting 18th in three‑point shooting and 27th in free‑throw percentage. Their efficiency, depth, and experience make them one of the most complete teams in the 10th Region.

The Lady Camels now turn their attention to a demanding final week of the regular season. They’ll travel to face St. Henry, the 9th Region’s fifth‑ranked team, on Monday, followed by a showdown on Wednesday with a strong Notre Dame squad ranked third in the 9th. They’ll cap the week with a long trip down I‑75 to Laurel County on Friday to take on South Laurel, the top‑ranked team in the 13th Region, a program that has won 13 of its last 14 games and is playing as well as anyone in eastern Kentucky. And if there’s one thing this group has proven all season, it’s that they’ve already been battle‑tested. This final gauntlet should only help them further as they gear up for what they hope will be a deep postseason run.

3. BISHOP BROSSART (24-4) – The Lady ’Stangs suffered just their fourth loss of the season last week, falling 61-51 to 9th Region powerhouse Ryle in a game that assessed their toughness and composure. That setback was sandwiched between two convincing victories, a solid win over Newport Central Catholic and a blowout of Bracken County. In the NCC win, Brossart displayed its balance, placing four players in double figures. Sophomore Kylie Smith led the way with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while juniors Hadley Eviston (14), Lilee Meyers (12), and Avery Wietholter (12) rounded out the scoring punch. Against Bracken County, Smith delivered another standout performance with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Eviston added 14 points as the Lady ’Stangs controlled the game from start to finish.

Smith continues to pace Brossart with 17.8 points and 6 rebounds per game. Junior Greylee Kramer adds 11.8 points per outing, while Eviston contributes 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. Their consistency, combined with the team’s depth and defensive discipline, has kept Brossart firmly in the No. 3 spot despite a demanding schedule that has prepared them well for postseason play.

The Lady ’Stangs now enter the final week of the regular season facing more tough competition. They’ll host No. 4 Montgomery County on Monday, and then welcome Covington Holy Cross on Wednesday, the top‑ranked team in the 9th Region and the reigning Kentucky All “A” Statewide champion. It’s a two‑game stretch that will challenge Brossart on both ends of the floor and provide a final measuring stick before district tournament action begins, where they will play Scott in the 37^th.

4. MONTGOMERY COUNTY (18-8) – Another team that has weathered one of the region’s toughest schedules is Coach Jordan Perry’s Lady Indians, who remain firmly at No. 4 despite dropping games to two of the three teams ahead of them. They’ll get a shot at the third this week. Last week’s slate featured two dominant district wins over Bourbon County and Paris, wrapped around a hard‑fought road loss at No. 2 Campbell County, a game that also included a milestone moment, as senior Addison Terry surpassed the 2,000‑point mark for her career.

Montgomery County continues to be one of the state’s most balanced offensive teams, with four players averaging in double figures. The Lady Indians rank 12th in Kentucky in scoring and 19th in three‑point shooting, a testament to both their pace and perimeter efficiency. Leading the charge is Terry, who averages 17.8 points and a team-best 7 rebounds per game. She is also the 7th best three‑point shooter in the state, knocking down 74 threes, a little over three per game. Junior Elaine Purvis adds 13.5 points per outing, providing a steady scoring punch from the wing. Junior Baylee Warner contributes 11.4 points per game and 6.1 rebounds, while freshman Raegan Mays rounds out the top scorers with 10.8 points per contest, giving MoCo a rare blend of veteran firepower and youthful production.

The Lady Indians, winners of their last six out of seven, and 9 out of 11, will close their regular season with two challenging matchups designed to sharpen them for postseason play. They travel to No. 3 Bishop Brossart on Monday before returning home Thursday to welcome Ashland, the top‑ranked team out of the 16th Region, in what should be a high‑level test heading into district tournament action next week.

5. NICHOLAS COUNTY (14-11) – The Lady Bluejackets entered last week having dropped four of their previous five, but they responded with a strong bounce‑back stretch, winning two of three, both district victories, to pull even with Pendleton County in the 38th District standings. After Pendleton beat them just a week earlier, Nicholas came out firing in the rematch, racing to a 15–2 lead and never looking back, returning the favor in a crucial matchup that tightened the race at the top following their 54-33 victory. Their other win came against Harrison County, giving Coach Reesa Martin’s young squad that’s loaded with underclassmen and no seniors, another confidence‑building boost as they prepare for the home stretch.

Junior Maggie Simons, one of the state’s most prolific scorers, continues to put up elite numbers at 24 points per game (9th best in Kentucky) along with 7 rebounds. She has been nearly automatic at the line, shooting 82.4% and converting 145 of her 176 free‑throw attempts. Seventh grader Zoe Brown has emerged as one of the region’s deadliest shooters, hitting 54 three‑pointers while shooting just under 50% from beyond the arc and averaging 10.1 points per game. With 9 of their 11 rostered players freshmen or younger and no seniors, Nicholas County remains one of the region’s youngest teams.

This week, they’ll travel to No. 8 Mason County on Monday, return home Wednesday to face Fleming County, and close their regular season Friday on the road at surging Bourbon County.

6. PENDLETON COUNTY (16-6) – Coach Patrick Kelsch’s team opened last week with a solid win over a scrappy Paris squad, then followed it with a tough, grind‑it‑out victory against Owen County. Junior Hannah Spaulding set the tone in both contests, scoring 12 and 18 points, respectively, as the Lady Cats extended their win streak to five before falling on the road to district foe Nicholas County. That loss snapped their momentum, but because of their stronger RPI, Pendleton still remains No. 6 in my rankings and remains in excellent position to secure the top seed in the 38th District, especially with only one game on the slate this week.

Senior Lily Ashcraft, who recently became the program’s all-time leading scorer, leads the Lady Cats with 16.6 points per game, having knocked down 104 total field goals on the season. Behind her, Spaulding contributes 13.1 points and 7 rebounds, while junior Selena Rarrieck adds 10.5 points per outing, giving Pendleton a dependable three‑headed scoring core.

Unless they add another game or two late, Pendleton County will host Lloyd Memorial on Wednesday and then enjoy an extended break before turning their attention to the postseason district tournament, a stretch that could allow them to rest, reset, and prepare for what they hope is a deep run.

7. SCOTT (9-16) – Coach Eric Pouncey’s Lady Eagles are far better than their record suggests. Their brutal schedule, combined with the absence of their second‑leading scorer and top rebounder Sydney Richmond (12.1 ppg), has forced this young, senior‑less group to battle some of the best teams in both the 9th and 10th Regions. Last week was no different, as Scott split its two games, falling to Fort Thomas Highlands before grinding out a hard‑earned win over Conner.

Sophomore Noelle Price, a recent 1000-point scorer, continues to shine as one of the region’s top young scorers, averaging 18.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while knocking down 52 three‑point goals on the season. Her consistency has kept Scott competitive night after night despite the demanding schedule.

This week, the Lady Eagles return home to host Dixie Heights on Tuesday before closing their regular season with a challenging road trip to No. 8 Mason County.

8. MASON COUNTY (14-8) – The Lady Royals had a real opportunity to climb the rankings, but recent losses to No. 2 Campbell County, No. 3 Bishop Brossart, and No. 4 Montgomery County keep them anchored in this spot. Mason County spent last week living on the road, playing three straight road games, but still managed to lock up the No. 1 seed in the 39th District after defeating St. Patrick and Augusta (who had to forfeit due to illness). They wrapped up the week with a high‑scoring 84-73 loss to Fleming County but quickly bounced back with a solid win over Harrison County.

Senior Amirah Reed continues to lead the way with 17.4 points per game, while junior Kyleigh Kirk provides steady support, scoring just under 10 points per contest.

Coach Jay Fite’s squad will host No. 6 Nicholas County on Monday, and No. 7 Scott will visit the historic old Maysville Gym on Thursday, giving the Lady Royals two more chances to strengthen their resume and make a final push up the rankings before the postseason begins.

9. BOURBON COUNTY (9-18) – The Lady Colonels played their way into the top 10 after enduring one of their busiest stretches of the season, taking on four games in five days. They picked up a solid win over Berea but fell to Montgomery County and Lexington Catholic before stunning Bracken County, erasing an 11‑point second‑half deficit while placing four players in double figures. Sophomore Paisley Hutchison, returning from injury, led the comeback with 16 points. Senior Regan Ring delivered a strong 15‑point, 16‑rebound, and a career-best 6 assists performance. Seventh grader Leah Hinkson added 12, while eighth grader Kendal Hardin chipped in 10 points, while blocking 7 shots. Bourbon remains fourth in the 40th District standings as they continue to chase Paris in the KHSAA RPI race for the No. 3 seed.

Hutchison leads the team at 10 points per game. Ring continues to dominate the glass with 10 rebounds per contest, while senior Makenzie Jolly has provided key contributions down the stretch. Eighth grader Madison Akemon has emerged as the team’s top perimeter threat, highlighted by a career‑best five made three‑pointers against Lexington Catholic, followed by three more in the big win over Bracken County. Hardin reached a major milestone last week as well, blocking her 100th career shot.

Coach Kylie Hilander’s squad will travel to Shelby County on Monday before closing the regular season with two familiar foes from the old 37th District, Harrison County on Tuesday and Nicholas County on Thursday.

10. BRACKEN COUNTY (13-10) – The Lady Bears opened their four‑game slate with an impressive win over Fleming County, powered by sophomore Kailey Sharp, who erupted for 27 points, while fellow sophomore Sophie Bachman controlled the glass with 12 rebounds. Midweek brought adversity, as Bracken County absorbed tough losses to Bath County, and Bishop Brossart and then to Bourbon County, where they blew a 9-point fourth quarter lead to close out the weekend.

Sharp, who recently scored the 1,000th point of her career, continues to be the engine of this team, knocking down 82% of her free throws while averaging 19.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Sophomore Kyndall Johnson provides a reliable second punch, contributing 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per outing.

This week, Bracken County returns home to entertain Ludlow on Monday before embarking on a challenging two‑game road swing, first to Conner on Tuesday, then wrapping up their regular season with a tough test at Walton‑Verona.

11. HARRISON COUNTY (11-15) – Coach Bill Watson’s Fillies, led by senior guard Keylee Custard and junior post Elisa Williams, picked up a nice late season win by knocking off Paris in an overtime thriller on the Hilltop, a victory that snapped a six‑game losing streak to their former 37th District rival. That momentum was much needed after opening the week with a tough district loss to Nicholas County. Harrison County closed the stretch with a road setback at Mason County.

Custard continues to be the steadying force, averaging just under 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 81% from the free‑throw line.

Harrison County will stay home this week, hosting Bourbon County on Tuesday before Augusta makes the trip to Cynthiana on Thursday.

12. PARIS (14-13) – The Ladyhounds have hit a difficult stretch in their schedule, dropping 9 of their last 13 games, including two costly 40th District losses, one to Bourbon County and another to Montgomery County. Despite the slide, Paris still holds a slim edge over Bourbon County for the No. 3 seed in the 40th according to the latest KHSAA RPI Rating.

Junior Molly Mason continues to be a bright spot, recording her second triple‑double of the season (11 points, 15 rebounds, 10 blocks) in a win over Augusta. She leads the team with 13 points and 10 rebounds per game. Senior Jamyah “MyMy” Bell elevated her play last week, averaging 19 points per game, pushing her season scoring average into double figures at 10.5 ppg.

Coach Aaron Speaks’ squad will look to regain momentum with a road trip to Berea on Tuesday before closing their regular season at home Thursday against Collins.

13. AUGUSTA (6-12) – It was a challenging week for the Lady Panthers, who battled injuries and illness during losses to Bellevue and Paris. The adversity continued when Coach Dana Bach’s team was forced to forfeit their district matchup against Mason County due to limited personnel.

Freshman Kahghan Hinson continues to shine as the team’s top offensive option, averaging 12.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Augusta will finish the regular season entirely on the road, traveling to Boone County on Monday, Lewis County on Wednesday, and Harrison County on Thursday.

14. ROBERTSON COUNTY (4-17) – Coach Brian Dufresne’s Lady Devils went 1-2 last week, with their lone victory coming against St. Patrick, and their losses were against Pendleton County and Boone County. With district play approaching, Robertson County is locked into the No. 4 seed for the upcoming 38th District Tournament.

Junior Peyton Jolly continues to lead the team statistically, averaging 12.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Lady Devils will close their regular season at home on Monday night when they host Lewis County.

15. ST. PATRICK (1-19) – Coach Isaac Klee’s Lady Saints dropped both of their games last week, falling to district opponents Mason County and Robertson County. They will enter the 39th District Tournament as the No. 4 seed.

Senior Lillian Klee continues to put up staggering numbers, entering the final week leading the entire state in scoring at 28.7 points per game while also pulling down 13.8 rebounds, ranking her 8th statewide in that category.

St. Patrick will wrap up their regular season with back‑to‑back home games, Model on Friday and Williamstown on Saturday.

District Standings:

37th District
1. Campbell County, 2-0
2. Bishop Brossart, 1-1
3. Scott, 0-2

38th District
TBD) Pendleton County, 5-1
TBD) Nicholas County, 5-1
3. Harrison County, 2-4
4. Robertson County, 0-6

39th District
1) Mason County, 6-0
2) Bracken County, 4-2
3) Augusta, 2-4
4) St. Patrick, 0-6

40th District
1. George Rogers Clark, 6-0
2. Montgomery County, 4-2
TBD. Paris, 1-5
TBD. Bourbon County, 1-5

TBD – Their final placement will be determined by the KHSAA RPI rating. As of this writing, Paris currently holds a slim edge over Bourbon, while Pendleton appears to be in a strong position to secure the top seed over Nicholas County.