OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – In the previous 13 meetings against Missouri Valley College JV under the direction of head coach Ben Conrad, Johnson County had defeated the Vikings by an average margin of 54 points. So, when his No. 4-ranked Lady Cavaliers basketball team found themselves down after the first quarter, no one associated with the program seemed concerned.
Trailing 18-16, Johnson County turned the game around in the second quarter, outscoring Missouri Valley by 21 points, 29-to-8. They added 12 more points to the margin in the third quarter and capped the game with a 20-to-5 fourth for a 92-46 victory, and a 46-point victory margin.
Sophomore guard Jaylen Townsend led the way posting her first career double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. She was 6-of-13 shooting and was 5-of-6 at the charity stripe. Through the first three games Townsend is the team's leading scorer at 13.3 per game.
For the third consecutive game, sophomore guard Gabby Fuller established a new career for rebounds. She opened the season with 10 boards, followed by an 11 rebound effort and on Tuesday night she pulled down 14 missed shots. Her 11.7 per game average ranks fifth in all of NJCAA Division II women's basketball. She also contributed eight points to offense.
Freshman guard Marissa Ritchey and freshman forward Khylee Massey each poured in 12 points. Ritchey did her damage outside the arc, hitting 3-of-6 long-range jumpers. Massey was 5-of-8 from 2-point range with two free throws. She also grabbed eight rebounds.
Sophomore LaJahda Boyland followed with 11 points and seven boards, sophomore guard Presley Barton made three treys for nine points and freshman guard Kourtland Tyus had an impressive night with six points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
Other key efforts were turned by freshman guard Kierra Prim with eight points, and freshman guard Lisa Thomas five points, five rebound and three assists.
Shakyra Duffie led Missouri Valley JV with 13 points, followed by Demkya Tyler with 10.
Johnson County (3-0) will look to remain perfect when they travel across town to take on Metropolitan Community College Saturday, February 6 at 2 p.m.