George Rogers Clark 58 St. Xavier 50 (OT) (2026 UK Healthcare KHSAA Sweet 16® Championship)

[se7ens]

This one is for all the marbles. St. Xavier is coming off a blowout win this morning over Grayson County while Clark had to earn it in an extremely physical contest against North Oldham. Got to think that plays a part. 

[theguru]

I like X but GRC has a very nice team. 

[All State Baseball]

St. Xavier and GRC tonight for the crown. 

Can Coach Cook win his second state title since he's been at GRC or will St. X win they're first title since, I think, 1962?

[DevilMayCare]

🏆KHSAA State Championship🏆 

Saint Xavier 🟢🟡 (29-7)
vs.
George Rogers Clark 🔴⚫ (32-4) 

🗞️ | The 'X-Men' versus 'Win City' for the state's highest hardwood honor…. Can Saint Xavier take advantage of having more recovery time and GRC’s semifinal dogfight to capture its first state basketball title in 64 years?

What do the Cardinals have left in the tank? This would be GRC’s second crown in the last four years.

Tip-off: Tonight at 7:30pm

[se7ens]

1 minute ago, theguru said:

I like X but GRC has a very nice team. 

I think X has the advantage even if the circumstances were equal. I don’t believe the circumstances are equal though with GRC having played the later and much tighter semifinal. X by double digits.

[se7ens]

So obviously it would be cool to see X win their first title since 1962 but if GRC wins, how many times has the same school won both boys and girls basketball titles in the same year?

[theguru]

1 minute ago, se7ens said:

I think X has the advantage even if the circumstances were equal. I don’t believe the circumstances are equal though with GRC having played the later and much tighter semifinal. X by double digits.

I agree, if I played for X I would be taking a nap with a full belly right now.  

[FatNate]

When I saw the bracket this is the matchup I wanted.  Can’t wait to see X #0 vs GRC #3 and X #4 vs GRC #12 matchups.  Everybody knows the stars but these two matchups will be key, in my opinion.  I believe St X is more talented.  I believe the late games and tired legs finally get to GRC.  I also think it’s a defensive game and slower pace of play, which will keep GRC in it going into the 4th quarter.  Give me St X 55 GRC 47.  Should be a good old good one!

[theguru]

2026 UK HEALTHCARE BOYS’ BASKETBALL SWEET 16®

• khsaa.org/ruppboys
• khsaa.tv
• khsaa.net
• Live Stats
• KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard
• Tournament Bracket
• Tournament Program

[futurecoach]

Should be a good one. As others mentioned, with GRC playing the later game and having a much more physical game. It could have an impact on the result. I will go with St. X by 9. 

[DragonFire]

59 minutes ago, se7ens said:

So obviously it would be cool to see X win their first title since 1962 but if GRC wins, how many times has the same school won both boys and girls basketball titles in the same year?

I think someone said on the KHSAA broadcast that Ashland in 1928 was the only one.

[DragonFire]

I'm pulling for St. X.  They haven't won it in so long, it may as well be their first title.  GRC had the shine more recently.

[DevilMayCare]

Saint Xavier Tigers 📝
Jeremiah Jackson (F) - 16 ppg | 6.6 rpg | 51% FGs | 83.3% FTs
Josh Lindsay (G) -14.3 ppg | 59 3s | 52% FGs 
Connor Klein (G) - 10.6 ppg | 61 3s | 42% 3pt FGs 
Chief Cameron (G) - 10 ppg | 4.7 rpg
Jordan Jackson (F) - 9.6 ppg | 5 rpg | 62% FGs 

 

George Rogers Clark Cardinals 📝
Montez Gay (F) -17 ppg | 6 rpg | 57% FGs 
Ryder Akins (G) -15 ppg | 61 3s | 50% FGs 
Malachi Ashford (G) -13.6 ppg | 51% FGs 
JaMylyn Johnson (G) -10.3 ppg | 51% FGs 
Amari Bartelson (F) -8.6 ppg | 6.1 rpg | 58% FGs 

[Tigerpride94]

I don't understand why play two games same day. I think it's advantage in recovery for teams that played earlier. 

[Falcon Pride]

I’d think it’s not the advantage that most think.

These kids now play AAU and play multiple games on back to back days. They are better conditioned than “back in the day”

I’m sure someone has the breakdowns of early vs late semifinal winners winning in the finals?