OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 5-ranked Johnson County men's basketball team opened up Kansas Jayhawk D-II Conference play with an impressive 66-58 victory over Highland at Allen Field House on Wednesday night. 

The Scotties quietly built an eight-point lead, 46-38, with just over 11 minutes to play, but the Cavaliers stepped up its defensive intensity and that fueled a 28-12 run two switch their eight-point deficit into an eight-point victory. 

Johnson County's bench played a big role in getting the victory. The Cavaliers outscored the Scotties bench 24-to-10. Sixteen of JCCC's points came from freshman guard Dale Talley III. The Shawnee Mission Northwest grad was 4-of-6 shooting with two 3-pointers, and was 6-of-7 at the free throw line.  His 16 points are a new season high, and mark the sixth time he has reached double figures scoring. 

Sophomore JaQuaylon Mays followed with 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Earlier in the week he was named the Kansas Jayhawk D-II Player of the Week for a fourth time this year.

Sophomore guard Macaleb Hughes posted his second double-double of the season, finishing of 10 points and 10 boards. 

Sophomore guard Kylan Thomas added nine points and sophomore center Lukas Milner, who faced double and triple teams all night, finished with six points and six rebounds.

Highland freshman guard Marquise Milton led all scorers with 24 points. Sophomore forward Rashon Johnson followed with 11. 

The Cavaliers (18-3/1-0) have a quick turnaround as they host the Fort Scott Greyhounds Saturday, January 25, in another Kansas Jayhawk D-II Conference tilt. The tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. During the game, JCCC will be honoring first responders and military. All first responders and military personnel will be admitted free.  To help kick off the day, independence country artist Travis Marvin will sing the National Anthem.