HICKORY, N.C. – It was close! The Johnson County women's basketball team's run at a third national championship fell short after Lake Land College edged the Lady Cavaliers 53-49 on Saturday night in the NJCCA D-II National Championship game at the Catawba Valley's Tarlton Complex in Hickory, N.C. 

Johnson County trailed by four after the opening quarter, but fought back to  take a one-point lead to open the final period, 38-37. 

Freshman guard Kierra Prim made two quick buckets to give JCCC is largest lead of the game at five points, but the Lakers outscored Johnson County 16-7 to close out the game and win their first championship. 

Prim led all scorers with 20 points. She hit 9-of-12 shots, including a 3-pointer, and a free throw. She also grabbed five rebounds. Prim was the only Johnson County player to finish in double figures. 

Freshman guard Lisa Thomas followed with eight points, four boards and three assists. She finished the tournament with 13 total assists. 

Lake Land was able to shut down Johnson County's top three scorers for the season. Sophomore Jaylen Townsend, the team's top scorer, was held to seven points. Sophomore guard Presley Barton was 0-4 and did not score and sophomore forward LaJahda Boyland added six points along with game-high eight rebounds. 

Harley Barry and Kamaria Gant led the Lakers, eight finishing with 14 points. 

Johnson County outrebounded Lake Land 41-29, and shot better from the field at 37 percent to 31 percent, but the Lady Cavaliers were just 1-for-8 from 3-piont range. The Lakers made five treys. 

Johnson County finishes the 2021 season with a record of 22-2.