The Taylor County Cardinals opened play in the UK Healthcare Sweet 16 State Tournament with a gritty, hard-fought matchup against the Grayson County Cougars, battling from start to finish in a game that was competitive right out of the gate.
Taylor County showed poise early, sharing the basketball effectively. The Cardinals finished with 17 assists as a team, consistently moving the ball and creating open looks throughout the contest. That unselfish play helped them stay within striking distance for much of the game.
Leading the charge was Cooper Stone, who delivered a standout performance with 25 points. Stone attacked offensively from all levels, knocking down shots from the perimeter and finishing strong at the rim, while also going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
Inside, Bryten Close provided a strong presence, scoring 13 points and pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. His effort on the glass helped Taylor County hold its own in rebounding, finishing with 28 boards, including six on the offensive end to create second-chance opportunities.
The Cardinals also received solid contributions across the lineup. Griffin Hines added nine points and four assists while knocking down a pair of three-pointers, and Lane Hord and Bryce Vernon each scored seven points. Both Hord and Vernon contributed to the team’s ball movement, combining for eight assists.
Taylor County shot an efficient 44 percent from the field and connected on seven three-pointers, showing balance between inside and outside scoring. The Cardinals were also strong at the free throw line, converting 13 of 17 attempts for 76 percent.
Defensively, Taylor County limited second-chance damage and forced Grayson County into contested shots for stretches of the game, keeping things tight through the first half.
However, momentum shifted in the third quarter when Grayson County caught fire offensively, scoring 26 points in the period compared to 17 for the Cardinals. That surge, combined with a key difference in turnover production—Grayson County scoring 12 points off turnovers while Taylor County had none—proved to be the deciding factors.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals’ effort, ball movement, and balanced scoring highlighted a team that competed well on the state’s biggest stage. Their ability to share the basketball, rebound effectively, and shoot efficiently kept them in the fight throughout a challenging opening-round matchup.