OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County women's basketball (32-2) team had usually found themselves in the lead after one quarter of play this season, but on Wednesday against Morton (29-2) the Lady Cavaliers were staring at a 13-point deficit. That proved too much for JCCC to overcome as they fell 62-57 in the second round at the NJCAA D-II National Tournament in Port Huron, Mich., ending their chance for a national title. 

Morton, the No. 7 seed, opened on a 10-0 run and led 22-9 at the end of the first quarter. No. 2 seed Johnson County won each of the next three quarters but not by enough, dropping the Lady Cavaliers into the consolation bracket. 

Morton hit nine 3-pointers and was 11-of-17 at the free throw. JCCC hit five treys and only two of their six free throw attempts. 

Freshman guard Kierra Prim led Johnson County with 13 points, along with nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Gabby Fuller posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards. 

Sophomore guards Jaylen Townsend and Shonyah Hawkins also were in double figures both finishing with 10 points. Hawkins also grabbed 10 rebounds. 

Franchesca Metz paced the Panthers with 18 points and six rebounds. Tadriana Heard and Mia Simpson followed with 13 and 12 respectively. Metz and Heard combined to hit 7-of-10 3-point shots. 

Johnson County will face No. 6 seed Mesa Community College (23-8) at 2 p.m. CST on Thursday, March 17. The winner will advance to the fifth-place game on Saturday, March 18, the loser's season will come to an end.