PORT HURON, Mich. – The Johnson County women's basketball team quest for a national championship ended Thursday night, falling to No. 5 seed Harcum 60-55.

Entering the game, Johnson County ranked among the top-20 in the country in three-point shooting efficiency, but Lady Cavaliers had its season worst performance from 3-point range going 0-for-12. 

Truly, the Lady Cavaliers would have won this one if their 3-point shooting hadn't been abysmal. They weren't much better at the free throw line either, making just 15-of-25 attempts for 62.5 percent. 

Johnson County also could not stop Amaris Baker, the nation's leading scorer. Averaging 27 a game, the sharpshooter from Philadelphia poured in 35 points, 22 in the second half, to power the Bears to the five-point victory. Her 35 points are the most scored on JCCC in a national tournament game.

Harcum got off to a strong start and led by nine after the first period. Johnson County then dominated the second quarter to take a seven-point lead into the locker room at halftime, 28-22. Then the Baker show happened in the second half and the Lady Cavaliers lost for just the second time in 2022-23. 

Freshman forward Grace Lynch came in off the bench the lead JCCC with 12 points, hitting 6-of-10 shots.

Sophomore forward LaJahda Boyland followed with 11 point and seven rebounds and sophomore guard Aryanna Harrison added 10 points.

Sophomore guard and league MVP Mackenzie Hart was held to nine points but did tally seven rebounds and four assists. JCCC's leading scorer, sophomore guard Nariyah Simmons, was held to just three points, her lowest output of the season. 

Despite the loss, the Lady Cavaliers still could finish fifth overall in the tournament. They will face No. 1 seed Morton at 2 p.m., EST time this afternoon. Morton was upset by No. 8 seed Richard Bland, 69-63. It was the first loss of the season for Morton. 

Watch the game live on the NJCAA Network