OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County women's basketball team learned it will start the 2022 portion of their season as the No. 1 team in NJCAA Division II, moving ahead of Kirkwood who suffered a 71-67 loss at Illinois Central on Dec. 30, a team JCCC defeated by 14 on Nov. 20, 69-55. Kirkwood dropped to No. 2 followed by Illinois Central, Labette and Lincoln Land.
This marks the 56th time in team history JCCC has been ranked No. 1 in the country, all under the direction of head coach Ben Conrad. The last time JCCC held the top spot was a seven week span during the 2018-19 season.
The Lady Cavaliers entered the winter break perfect at 15-0, and improved to 16-0 with a 69-44 victory over North Platte on Wednesday afternoon.
Kierra Prim led the way with her eighth double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Mackenzie Hart, Jaylen Townsend and Shonyah Hawkins each added 10 points. Hart also recorded six rebounds and six assists. Townsend grabbed five boards along with three steals and Hawkins had six rebounds.
Johnson County will open up conference play on Wednesday, January 12 when they host cross-town rival and No. 17-ranked Kansas City Kansas at 5:30 p.m.