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JCCC a unanimous pick to win sixth KJCCC D-II Women’s Basketball title

The graphic presents the 2025-26 Division 2 Women's Basketball Preseason Order of Finish for the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). Here's a breakdown of its key elements: ?? Preseason Rankings Table (Left Side) 1. Johnson County – 49 points (7 first place votes) 2. Allen – 38 points 3. Neosho County – 32 points 4. KCKCC – 26 points 5. Fort Scott – 20 points 6. Highland – 16 points 7. Labette – 15 points At the bottom of the rankings, it notes: Season Begins Friday, October 31st ?? Visual Branding (Right Side) A blue and red circular logo featuring:
Posted: Oct 16, 2025

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -  The Johnson County Community College women's basketball program, the defending NJCAA Division II National Champions, has been unanimously selected to win a sixth consecutive Kansas Jayhawk Community College Division II  regular season title in a vote of league coaches ahead of the 2025-26 season.

All seven head coaches in the KJCCC participated in the preseason poll, with the Cavaliers receiving a perfect 49-points along and all seven first-place votes to easily outdistance second-place Allen Community College.

Johnson County was a perfect 30-0 in the regular season last year getting upset by Highland in the Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers received an at-large bid to the national tournament and turned that opportunity into the program's third championship - and second under head coach Ben Conrad.

While expectations remain high, the Cavaliers face challenges with eight of the top 10 players from last year's title team having moved on. Still, Conrad has long proven his ability to reload quickly, mastering the revolving door of two-year college basketball to consistently produce nationally competitive teams.

"We are really starting from scratch, but we really like our freshmen and the two returners who were major pieces in our national title run," Conrad said. "I think we'll have a chance to be very dangerous late, but the early part of the season could be interesting. We'll need to hang our hat on defense while we come together offensively."

Leading the way is guard Layla Scott, last year's national tournament MVP and a first-team All-America selection. Scott averaged 16.3 points per game and ranked third in the NJCAA with 115 made three-pointers - the second-highest single-season total in program history. She elevated her play in the national tournament, averaging 16.8 points, capped by a 25-point performance in the championship win over Pima. 

Also returning is sharpshooting guard Kara Stricklin, who averaged 8.7 points and finished second on the team with 65 three-pointers. She reached double figures 13 times last season and provides another dangerous perimeter threat. 

Up front, forwards Paige Cheffey and Karlee Ellick add depth and experience. Cheffey appeared in 32 games last season, while Ellick, who contributed 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 2023-24, returns after redshirting last year. Expectations are high for her impact this season. 

Conrad will rely on a talented freshman class to replace the production of last year's sophomores. Among the newcomers, Korri Holcer, Skyte Wilson, and Anonda Ford are expected to contribute immediately. Each scored more than 1,000 points in high school and brings proven offensive ability. 

The 2025-26 seasons tips off on Friday, Oct. 31, when the Cavaliers face Murray State College at the Highland Classic, followed by Central Community College-Columbus on Saturday Nov. 1. Following those two neutral site games, JCCC will play its next eight games on their home court, beginning with Bethany College JV on Tuesday, Nov. 4.