OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County women's basketball team celebrated sophomore day in style, cruising to a dominate 98-53 win over Neosho County Saturday afternoon.
Neosho County came into the game leading the county in scoring at over 94 points per game. Johnson County, the top defensive team in the NJCAA, shut them down, holding the Panthers to 46 points below their season average.
The Lady Cavaliers (28-1) close out the regular season at Allen on Wednesday night. With a victory JCCC can would clinch at least a tie for the conference championship and secure the No. 1 seed in the Region 6/Plains District Tournament.
Johnson County controlled the game throughout, and Neosho County rarely threatened. JCCC built a double-digit lead with at the six minute mark of the first period and from there is was all Johnson County.
Five players scored in double figures, including four starters, led by sophomore guard Lisa Thomas with a career high 25 points. She got off to a hot start pouring in 15 in the first half. Thomas was 9-of-16 from the field and 7-of-10 at the free throw line. Her line also included nine assists, five rebounds and three steals.
One back was sophomore guard Mackenzie Hart with 24 points, 15 coming in the final quarter. She hit 8-of-12 shots, including 5-of-7 beyond the arc, and all four free throw attempts. Hart also had eight rebounds and four assists.
Freshman guard Saige Grampsas had her best game as a collegiate player, posting her first double-double with 15 points and team season high 16 rebounds. Her 15-point effort matched her season high. Grampsas was 6-of-10 shooting with three treys.
Sophomore forward LaJahda Boyland registered her first double-double of the season and ninth of her career finishing with 10 points and 12 boards. She also had three assists and blocked shot.
Freshman forward Grace Lynch continued her hot play of late, reaching double figures for the fifth straight game. She finished with 15 points, her second-best scoring effort of the season, and grabbed six rebounds. Lynch hit 7-of-11 shots with one 3-pointer.