Senior guard Gage Richardson was a vital architect in the Great Crossing Warhawks’ championship blueprint, helping the team secure their first-ever KHSAA Sweet 16 boys’ basketball title in 2025 at Rupp Arena. The sharpshooting senior, a long-time cornerstone of coach Steve Page’s program, delivered clutch performances across four games, earning All-Tournament honors as the Warhawks (35-4) capped a 27-game winning streak with a 71-61 victory over Bowling Green in the final. Richardson’s timely scoring, steady leadership, and defensive contributions were instrumental in Great Crossing’s dominant run, solidifying his legacy in Georgetown’s basketball history.
Season Context: A Reliable Sharpshooter
Richardson, wearing jersey number 11, was a consistent contributor for the Warhawks throughout the 2024-25 season, appearing in all 39 games. He averaged 8.7 points per game, totaling 340 points with 81 two-point field goals, 51 three-pointers (41.8% from deep), and 25 free throws (71.4%). His 98 rebounds (2.5 per game) and efficient 48.9% field goal shooting complemented the star power of Kentucky signee Malachi Moreno (21.5 ppg) and Morehead State signee Vince Dawson (18.0 ppg). The Warhawks’ balanced attack, which shot 55.2% as a team and averaged 74.8 points per game, overwhelmed opponents, with Richardson’s outside shooting stretching defenses and creating space for Moreno in the paint.
First Round vs. Daviess County: Great Crossing 69, Daviess County 37
In the opening round on March 27, Richardson set the tone for Great Crossing’s 69-37 rout of Daviess County. He scored 13 points, including back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter that extended the Warhawks’ lead to 56-32, effectively sealing the game. His shooting efficiency (3-for-5 from three) complemented Moreno’s 21-point, 17-rebound double-double, helping Great Crossing outscore Daviess County 19-7 in the second quarter for a commanding 34-15 halftime lead. Richardson’s defensive work on the perimeter limited Daviess County’s guards, contributing to the Warhawks’ suffocating effort that held the Panthers to 37 points. “We knew what we were coming for,” Moreno said, echoing the team’s focus, with Richardson’s hot shooting providing early momentum.
Quarterfinals vs. Cooper: Great Crossing 49, Cooper 36
Facing Cooper on March 28, Richardson added six points, including a crucial three-pointer, in a defensive slugfest that saw Great Crossing prevail 49-36. With point guard LJ Holman sidelined by an ankle injury, Richardson stepped up as a secondary ball-handler, recording three assists and helping the Warhawks navigate Cooper’s stingy defense. His third-quarter three-pointer stretched the lead to 30-22, and his composure under pressure was vital as Great Crossing managed just one turnover against Cooper’s press. Moreno (13 points, 16 rebounds, seven blocks) and Dawson (20 points, 11 rebounds) led the way, but Richardson’s timely shot and playmaking kept the Warhawks in control. Coach Page praised the team’s defensive effort, noting, “We matched [Cooper’s] intensity,” with Richardson’s versatility filling gaps in Holman’s absence.
Semifinals vs. Montgomery County: Great Crossing 70, Montgomery County 49
In the semifinals on March 29, Richardson contributed four points and three assists in a 70-49 blowout of Montgomery County. Playing without Holman, he again shared ball-handling duties with Dawson, helping Great Crossing dominate the paint (50-8 scoring edge) and limit Montgomery County to 34% shooting. His defensive pressure on the perimeter disrupted the Indians’ rhythm, and his playmaking set up Moreno (26 points, 14 rebounds) and Dawson (16 points, seven rebounds) for easy buckets. Richardson’s steady presence was critical in the third quarter, where the Warhawks pulled away with a 13-2 run. “We didn’t have open shots once they started switching,” Montgomery County coach Jason Mays said, crediting Great Crossing’s defensive versatility, including Richardson’s role in clogging passing lanes.
Championship Game vs. Bowling Green: Great Crossing 71, Bowling Green 61
In the March 29 final, Richardson delivered a standout performance, scoring 15 points and adding three assists to help Great Crossing defeat Bowling Green 71-61. His midrange and three-point shooting stretched the Purples’ defense, creating space for Moreno (24 points, 15 rebounds) to dominate inside. Richardson’s third-quarter jumper during a 19-point run helped build a 24-point lead, though Bowling Green battled back to within six points in the fourth. His clutch free throws and defensive tenacity down the stretch, including a key stop on Kadyn Carpenter, preserved the Warhawks’ lead. With Dawson (18 points) handling primary ball-handling duties, Richardson’s off-ball movement and timely buckets were pivotal. “We never wavered in our locker room,” coach Page said, with Richardson’s veteran presence anchoring the team’s composure. His All-Tournament nod reflected his impact across the board.
Tournament Impact and Legacy
Richardson averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds across the Sweet 16, shooting efficiently from three (41.7%) and providing critical secondary playmaking without Holman. His ability to stretch defenses, handle pressure, and contribute defensively was vital for a Warhawks team that won their four games by an average of 19 points. As one of the program’s original stars, having played alongside Moreno and Dawson since middle school, Richardson’s growth from a sixth-grade standout to a state champion embodies Great Crossing’s rapid rise since opening in 2019. “These kids bought into what we wanted,” Page said, praising Richardson’s role in the team’s 100 wins over three seasons. With 340 points, 98 rebounds, and a state title, Richardson’s sharpshooting and leadership laid a lasting foundation, ensuring his place as a Warhawks legend as he prepares for the next chapter.
