OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 2-ranked Johnson County women's basketball team started fast and finished strong in a 69-55 victory over No. 6 Illinois Central on Saturday afternoon at JCCC Gymnasium.  JCCC outscored the Cougars by 20 points in the first and fourth quarters which propelled them to the victory. 

JCCC defeated Illinois Central in the national semifinals last year by nearly the same scored, 69-56. 

Kierra Prim led Johnson County with 16 points and seven rebounds. She was 7-of-17 shooting with one 3-pointer, and 1-of-2 at the free throw line. 

Jaylen Townsend, the 2021 NJCAA D-II Player of the Year, followed with 12 points, six boards and two steals.  

Point guard Mackenzie Hart flirted with a triple-double, finishing with seven points, nine assists and six rebounds. She also had just one turnover. 

Gabby Fuller, Kylee Massey and Shonyah Hawkins each finished with eight points. 

Johnson County will close out the month with three home games. They host Missouri Valley JV on Monday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m., followed by Marshalltown on Saturday, November 27 at 2 p.m., and Southeast on Sunday, November 28 at 2 p.m.