OVERLAND PARK, Kan – Johnson County played fantastic basketball for the first 17 minutes on Saturday afternoon, but as the No.2 team in the country, the Cavaliers are going get the best out of every opponent each time they hit the floor. 

Neosho County (8-12/0-6) did just that. After JCCC built an 18-point lead with just over three minutes to play in the first half, the Panthers went on an 11-0 to pull within seven at the break, 52-45.  

They cut their deficit to four points early in the second half, but two free throws by Jaland Whitehead, a jumper by Tymer Jackson and a layup by Xavier Kahube put the Cavaliers up by 10 and they went on to close out the game, 97-82 and improve to 20-0 on the season. 

Jackson led all scorers with 32 points, his second highest game total of the season. He hit 9-of-14 shots, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range, and 9-of-11 at the free throw line. He had four rebounds and two steals. 

Desi Williams followed with his best scoring game of his career. He poured in 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting with a 3-pointer and hit 8-of-9 at the charity stripe.  Williams also grabbed seven boards and along with a game-high three steals.

Whitehead finished with nine points and six rebounds, and Korey Jones provided nine points off the bench. 

Neosho County's Jerry Carraway had a big day too, finishing with 29 points. He hit seven 3-point baskets, tying the eight-most scored against the Cavaliers in program history. Alexander Norris followed with 17 points. 

Johnson County travels to Iola, Kan., Wednesday night to take on No. 20-ranked Allen Community College in a battle for first place in the conference race.  The Red Devils stand 17-4 overall but are 6-0 in conference play.