OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Johnson County's Jaland Whitehead had a night to remember
The sophomore 6-6 forward finished with a career-high 36 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in Monday's 99-63 victory over Ottawa University JV. Ironically, his previous high of 20 points was against the Cavaliers last season while he played at Labette Community College.
"We are proud of his effort last night," said head coach Rand Chappell. "Jaland played with a high motor and consistency on the glass. Every ball that came off he treated like it was his own. He bot put back opportunities and was able to finish. Obivously, he has been working on that and it is good to see him come through."
Not only did Whitehead establish new career highs, he also etched his name in the annuals at Johnson County. His 21 points tie the 21st-best game in team history, and his 19 total rebounds tie the seventh-best single game effort all-time.
Whitehead hit 18-of-21attempts and improved his shooting percentage to 71 percent through the first two games. He was also the team's leading scorer and rebounder in the Cavaliers' season-opening loss to John Wood.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 52 percent from the field, and that could have been much better. JCCC hit only 2-of-17 shots from beyond the 3-point line, and are just 7-of-45 overall through their first two games.
Freshman guard Desi Williams was the only other JCCC player to finish in double figures. He contributed 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting along with two free throws. He also dished out a game-high six assists and added five rebounds.
Sophomore guard Jaycson Bereal nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with 9 points and 10 boards.
Freshman guard Seth Chargois put together a solid night with six points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Other key efforts were posted by freshman forward Xavier Kahube (9 points, 3 rebounds); sophomore forward Jacob Coleman (8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) and freshman forward Savonni Love (6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks).
John Long was the top scorer for Ottawa JV with 21.
The victory evened JCCC's record at 1-1, and was the first for new head coach Rand Chappell.
The Cavaliers travel across town to take on Metropolitan Community College on Saturday, February 6 at 4 p.m., and then host Bethel College JV Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.