Great Crossing Basketball Reaches the Summit: Coach Steve Page Reflects on a Historic 2025 Season
In just its sixth year of existence, Great Crossing High School's boys basketball program has already etched its name into the Kentucky sports history books. Under the steady guidance of Head Coach Steve Page, the Warhawks soared to new heights in the 2025 season, capturing the school’s first-ever state championship and solidifying themselves as a powerhouse on the hardwood.
It wasn’t just the wins, though there were plenty of those—it was how they won that revealed the heart and identity of this team. With a mix of seasoned seniors and rising underclassmen, Great Crossing completed the season with 27 straight victories, going undefeated in all seven one-possession games and overcoming adversity at every turn.
Dominant Core: The Leaders Who Drove the Title Run
Coach Page credits much of this historic success to his core group of players, who not only put up impressive numbers but also shaped the team’s identity.
Leading the charge was Malachi Moreno, whose sheer dominance on both ends of the floor made him a matchup nightmare. Averaging 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game, Moreno was the anchor of the Warhawks' interior game. His consistency and presence in the paint set the tone for their defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency.
Alongside him, Vince Dawson III proved to be a lethal three-level scorer, chipping in 18 points and 5 rebounds per game. Dawson’s ability to create his own shot and deliver in clutch moments gave Great Crossing a weapon that few teams could match.
Running the show was LJ Holman, whose 11 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game only tell part of the story. Holman’s poise and decision-making stabilized the offense, especially during crunch time. He was backed up by Gage Richardson, a versatile contributor who filled the stat sheet nightly with 9 points, 4 assists, and a constant willingness to do the dirty work.
A Championship Journey: Learning Through Adversity
The road to a state title was not without its bumps. The Warhawks started strong with a 6-0 record, but soon faced a rough stretch, losing four of their next six games.
“We learned a lot about ourselves in that stretch,” said Coach Page. “It made us tougher and brought the team closer.”
That stretch of adversity became fuel for a remarkable 27-game win streak that culminated in the state title. Along the way, the team showed an uncanny ability to perform under pressure, finishing 7-0 in games decided by a single possession.
Perhaps the most pivotal turning point came in a game against Bellaire, Texas. After trailing the entire contest, Great Crossing mounted a 12-3 run to close the game, capped by a 30-foot buzzer-beater for the win.
“We didn’t think we played particularly well, but to win that game gave our guys a ton of confidence,” Page reflected.
Stepping Up: Depth and Development
When adversity struck, the Warhawks didn’t panic—they rose.
Midseason, the team lost a point guard who quit, and then in the state tournament quarterfinal, LJ Holman suffered an injury early in the game. Rather than unravel, the team held its composure, with role players stepping up in big moments.
One standout in that regard was freshman Brady Orem, a 6-foot-7 talent who stepped into the starting lineup for the final two games of the state tournament. “He was huge for us,” Page said. Orem’s ability to fill big shoes under immense pressure bodes well for the program’s future.
The Senior Legacy: Cementing Greatness
While the roster boasted talent across every class, it was the senior leadership that turned potential into reality. As Coach Page puts it, “This senior class brought everything—leadership, energy, performance. They put our program on the map.”
And the numbers back it up. Over the past four years, Great Crossing compiled an astonishing 126-19 record, with two regional titles and now one state championship. This group not only raised banners—they built a culture.
Their journey has been about more than basketball. They’ve established a standard, one that demands excellence, resilience, and unity. As they graduate, their impact will be felt far beyond the stat sheet.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation is Ready
Even with a celebrated senior class moving on, the future remains incredibly bright for Great Crossing.
“The returnees have seen the standard,” Coach Page said. “And I’m excited about the talent that didn’t get a chance to shine this year because of our seniors. Now, it’s their turn.”
This offseason, the coaching staff will focus on getting younger and less experienced players critical reps to prepare for the spotlight. With stars like Orem already gaining valuable experience and others waiting in the wings, the Warhawks are far from finished.
And the program’s philosophy is clear: next man up. Great Crossing is not just a collection of talented players—it’s a system built for sustainable success.
Raising the Bar: Offseason and Beyond
With the title now in hand, the challenge for Coach Page is not just repeating success, but sustaining it.
“This offseason, our priority is getting our younger guys experience,” he explained. That means offseason training, skill development, and mental preparation for the pressures of high-level basketball.
Page and his staff are committed to refining their approach every year, ensuring that Great Crossing remains one of the most respected programs in the state.
And for those tracking the Warhawks’ progress, you can follow the team’s stats and results at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association website: https://khsaa.org, under the Scoreboard section.
A Program Built to Last
The 2025 season will go down as a watershed moment in Great Crossing’s basketball history, not just because of the state title, but because it marked the arrival of a program that has officially arrived on the big stage.
From buzzer-beaters to breakout freshmen, and from seasoned leaders to hungry newcomers, this team was the total package. But more than the stats and the trophies, it’s the culture of belief and brotherhood that will carry Great Crossing into a future filled with promise.
As Coach Page puts it, “This was more than a special season—it was a defining one. And we’re just getting started.”
Share With