Franklin-Simpson ends state run with loss to George Rogers Clark in Elite Eight

 LEXINGTON, Ky. – The season came to an end on Friday for Franklin-Simpson after falling 69-34 to George Rogers Clark in the Elite Eight.

Taking on the No. 1 offensive team in the state, the Lady Wildcats knew they would have to give the Lady Cardinals everything they had.

Even though GRC was zoned in on shutting down the top three-point shooter in Kentucky, Allye Pennington, the junior still played a big role in getting her squad off to a solid start.

By the end of the first quarter, Franklin-Simpson trailed by just three points, with Pennington leading the way.

However, the Lady Cardinals defense eventually locked down, holding the Lady Cats to make just nine field goals throughout the entirety of the game.

In light of the loss, it’s been an incredible year and a memorable run to the state tournament that this team will never forget.

“I’m super proud of my team,” head coach Ashley Taylor said. “One game doesn’t define a season. We wanted to go out and put on a little better of a performance than we did tonight, but man, the things that this team accomplished in a year that wasn’t even expected makes it even more special for me.”

During the regular season, this team knew that they might not have been expected to make the state tournament, let alone make an Elite Eight appearance, but getting to prove people wrong and play under the Rupp Arena lights with their best friends was the best experience they could ask for.

“I’m more proud than anything,” senior McKenzie Taylor said. “No one believed in us and we made it this far. From summer until now, we’ve grown as a team and closer as teammates. Overall, I’m just really proud.”

“The only reason I’m not crying right now is I’m so grateful for this team,” Pennington said. “I don’t have any other words besides I am grateful and I wouldn’t want to be on any other team.”

The Lady Wildcats end their season with an Elite eight appearance, back-to-back 4th region titles and a whole lot of pride to propel them into the 2026-27 season.