OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 1-ranked Johnson County women's basketball cruised to an 80-41 victory over Highland in the Region VI Tournament semifinals Wednesday night, advancing to the Region VI Championship Game for the 21st time in 22 years. The Lady Cavaliers will face cross-town rival Kansas City Kansas (19-2) for title and berth to the NJCAA D-II National Tournament April 20-24 at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C.
All year long Johnson County has led the NJCAA in team defense, and they showed the Scottie why in their semifinal matchup. JCCC held Highland to just eight points in both the first second quarters, which led to a 42-16 advantage at halftime.
Sophomore guard Jaylen Townsend powered JCCC's offense with 24 points, one shy of her career high. She was 7-for-17 from the floor with two 3-pointers, and 8-of-9 at the line, upping her percentage to 90.9, which leads NJCAA D-II women's basketball.
Freshman guard Kierra Prim made the most of her first start of the season. She matched her season high for points with 17 and grabbed a season high 10 rebounds for her first career double-double. She shot an impressive 7-for-11 and hit 3-of-6 at the line.
Sophomore forward LaJahda Bowland flirted with a double-double, finishing with nine points and eight boards.
Sophomore point guard D'Asya Collier-Williams had solid numbers, posting six points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Freshman guard Kourtland Tyus came in off the bench to provide nine points, two boards, two assists and a steal.
The Lady Cavaliers handed Kansas City Kansas its only two losses of the season, winning 65-53 at home and 75-55 at KCKCC. This is just the second time JCCC has faced the Blue Devils in the region final. The last time was in 2015 when JCCC won 70-51 on their way to a national championship.