OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 7-ranked Johnson County women's basketball team punched their ticket to the Region VI D-II Championship Game for the 20th time in program history, and the 11th time in the 12-year tenure of head coach Ben Conrad, by defeating No. 13 Highland 86-75 at Allen Field House in Highland, Kan., Tuesday night. Johnson County is 15-4 all-time in Region VI D-II Championship Games.
Johnson County (28-4) won the first the fourth quarters, outscoring Highland 21-15 in the first, and 27-22 in the fourth. The two teams were even in the second and third quarters. The victory snaps a three-game losing streak to the Scotties on the road.
Sophomore forward KK Jackson-Morris, who was named second-team all-conference prior to the game, matched her career high with 26 points. She hit 9-of-16 shots, including three 3-point baskets, and was 5-of-6 at the free throw line. She also recorded her first double-double of the season, and sixth of her career, grabbing 10 rebounds.
Also finishing in double digit scoring were first-team all-conference pick Krystal Rice with 16 and third-team selection Dallie Hoskinson with 15. Rice was 4-of-7 with two treys, and was 6-of-8 at the free throw line. She also had seven rebounds, three assists and a block
Hoskinson, who is the only player in program history to record three triple-doubles, finished with 15 points, four boards and three assists. She was 5-of-9 shooting and 5-of-6 at the charity stripe.
Other key efforts were turned by freshman forward Le'Yanna McGinnis (6 points, 5 rebounds), freshman forward LaJahda Boyland (6 points, 5 rebounds), freshman guard Jaylen Townsend (6 points, 2 assists) and sophomore guard Christen Curry (5 points, 5 rebounds).
Erin Randle led the Scotties (21-4) with 17 points. Khaliah Hines, Tiana Gipson and Charlay Conway followed with 16, 13 and 11 respectively.
Johnson County will now take on conference champion and No. 2-ranked Labette (24-4) on Friday, March 6 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. The winner will advance to the NJCAA D-II Championship March 17-21 in Port Huron, Mich. Johnson County lost the season series with Labette, falling 65-63 at home in overtime and 69-51 at Labette. The Lady Cavaliers lead the all-time series 33-20. This will be just the second time the two programs have met in postseason play. JCCC won the first meeting 57-46 at Labette on March 3, 2018.