SUMMERSVILLE—The Grafton High School (GHS) Lady Bearcats varsity basketball team picked up a 42-38 road victory over the Nicholas County High School (NCHS) Grizzly Bears in their season opener Tuesday November 29, 2022.

Under the tutelage of Head Coach Hartsell Keener, the Lady ‘Cats are looking to bounce back after a 2-20 season in 2021-22 and opened the new campaign with a statement.

“I’m proud of the girls and the way they competed throughout the game at Nicholas County, we played well at times offensively,” said Keener.

So. Hadley Horne and Jr. Kelsey Massie led the Lady ‘Cats contributing double digit figures, Horne notched 14 points, a game high, on 6-13 shooting while Massie recorded 10 points.

Fr. Kenna Keener posted an impressive 21 rebounds, 10 of which were from the offensive end, while also recording 5 points and leading the team in assists (2) on the night.

Jr. Kambree Delaney would also add double digit figures in rebounding for the Lady ‘Cats (10) helping out-rebound the Grizzly Bears 51-30 during the game.

Struggles however showed with maintaining control of the ball as the Lady ‘Cats had 39 turnovers on the night, while also forcing NCHS to commit 30 of their own, this will be something to grow from moving forward on the season.

“We were solid defensively all night, we did a good job of communicating and being in the right spots, we are a work in progress and we took some steps forward tonight but still have phases of the game we need to improve on especially moving forward in conference play,” stated Keener. 

The Lady Bearcats will host the Philip Barbour Colts on Friday December 9, 2022, tip off slated for 7:15 p.m.