OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 18-ranked Johnson County Community College men's basketball team (28-5) is headed back to the NJCAA D-II National Tournament in Danville, Ill.
Freshman forward Brandon Mann scored 16 of his career-high 28 points in the second half to lead the Cavaliers from a four-point lead at the half to a 13-point victory, downing
Fort Scott 83-70 to claim the Region 6 Championship and earn a berth to the national tournament.
This will be JCCC's 10th appearance in the national tournament and third under head coach Rand Chappell.
Mann hit all three of field goal attempts in the second half, but he did his damage at the free throw line, making 10-of-13 attempts. He was 6-for-7 shooting in the first half.
Sophomore guard Massi Malterer contributed 16 points and sophomore forward Kyler Mann followed with 12 points to go along with a game-high eight rebounds.
Chappell also got solid production from freshman forward Donald Bangham, Jr., (9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists), sophomore forward Elijah Cole (8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals) and sophomore guard Jordan Nichols (8 points, 2 assists).
Fort Scott Scott also had three players in double figures led by Bryce Journee with 23 points, BJ. Francis followed with 18 and Denymh Smith added 10.