The George Rogers Clark Lady Cardinals are set to open their arena to the 2026 Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches (KABC) Cardinal Classic, a three‑day event that will run from June 18 through June 20. The tournament, held at the GRC Arena in Winchester, Kentucky, is expected to attract roughly 60 teams representing the Commonwealth and neighboring states.
Organizers have structured the competition into two 20‑minute halves, a format designed to maximize playing time while delivering fast‑paced, high‑intensity games. Participants will include squads from 15 of Kentucky’s 16 regions, as well as out‑of‑state programs from Tennessee, Ohio and West Virginia, underscoring the event’s regional significance.
Coach Graham’s Vision
Head coach Robbie Graham highlighted the tournament’s reputation as a premier showcase for emerging talent. He emphasized the importance of using the event to give young athletes ample exposure to college coaches and scouts, while also providing his own team with competitive matchups that will sharpen their skills before the upcoming season.
Among the returning starters for the Lady Cardinals are senior guard Kennedy Stamper and forward Kyleigh Stakelin, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s performance. Their participation adds a local spotlight to a field that also features defending champions such as Ashland Blazer, Assumption, Bullitt East, Frederick Douglass, North Laurel, Owensboro Catholic, Simon Kenton and Taylor County.
Beyond the games, the Cardinal Classic will serve as a hub for summer development, with additional camps and tournaments scheduled across the state. Detailed schedules and live coverage will be available through the Exposure Events website and on BallerTV, giving fans and recruiters alike a comprehensive view of the action.