OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Powered by a 14-1 run to close out the first half, the No. 11-ranked Johnson County men's basketball defeated Labette 68-77 to capture the Region VI Championship and punch their ticket to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, Ill, April 20-24. 

This is will be JCCC's eighth national tournament appearance, and the first for head coach Rand Chappell, who took over the program this year. 

Johnson County's ability to get to the free throw line proved to be the deciding factor. JCCC was 27-of-40 at the charity stripe, compared to 12-of-20 by the Cardinals. 

Freshman guard Seth Chargois had his best effort of the season, pouring in a season-high 20 points. He was 6-of-8 shooting, with three 3-point baskets, and 5-of-9 at the free throw line. He also had four rebounds and an assist. 

Sophomore guard Bing Haung followed with 12 points, and sophomore guard Jaycson Bereal and freshman guard Desi Williams added 11 and 10 points respectively. 

The Cavaliers leading scorer Jaland Whitehead was held to just five points, but did grab a team-high nine rebounds. 

Coach Chappell also had solid production from his bench. Zion Bucker finished with seven points and three rebounds. Xavier Kahube added six points and five boards, and Jacob Coleman chipped in five points with three rebounds. They combined to shoot 5-of-7 from the floor and 7-of-12 at the line. 

Devin Longstreet was the top scorer for Labette with 19, followed by Bryson Dennis with 17.