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32-0 Cavaliers secure Region 6 Championship, set sights on another National Title

The image shows a large group of basketball team members and staff gathered together on an indoor basketball court for what appears to be a post?game championship celebration photo. Foreground / Group Arrangement The group consists of players dressed in coordinated white basketball uniforms with dark lettering. Several individuals are holding two championship-style plaques—one circular and one rectangular—with prominent logos and text visible on the front. The team members are positioned in two rows: A front row kneeling or leaning forward. A back row standing behind them. On the far right, a small child wearing a blue sweatshirt, dark pants, a knit hat, and holding a bright orange basketball stands next to an adult. Clothing & Details The uniforms include: White jerseys with dark trim. Matching shorts. Athletic shoes in various colors (white, black, neon accents). Some players have visible accessories such as headbands, wristbands, or knee sleeves. Coaching or support staff on the sides appear to be wearing dark athletic apparel. Background The setting is a gymnasium with: Blue bleachers on both sides, partially filled with spectators. A polished wooden floor with colorful court markings in red, blue, and white. Cameras and a few individuals visible in the upper background, suggesting media coverage. Overhead lighting illuminating the entire space evenly. Overall Impression The scene captures a team victory moment, with the group gathered tightly and holding official-looking awards, suggesting they recently won a tournament or championship. The environment, team pose, and visible trophies strongly indicate a formal celebratory team photo.

Game Leaders

Neosho County Community College
Pts: Laynie Winfrey - 15
Reb: Team - 6
Ast: 2 Players (#14, #30) - 3
Johnson County Community College
Pts: Mia Adams - 20
Reb: Makayia Johnson - 9
Ast: Layla Scott - 4

Team Stats

Neosho County Community College
Johnson County Community College

Field Goals

(17-67)
(25-63)

Field Goal %

25.4%
39.7%

Rebounds

36
56

Assists

7
10

Turnovers

18
21

Pts off Turnovers

18
15

2nd Chance Pts

5
11

Pts in the Paint

14
34

Fastbreak Pts

3
8

Bench Pts

17
25
full stats
Posted: Mar 07, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Fast starts to open the game and the second half fueled the No. 1-ranked Johnson County Community College women's basketball team to an 82-54 victory over Neosho County, claiming the Region 6 Championship and punching the Cavaliers' ticket to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

This marks Johnson County's 17th trip to the national tournament and the 11th under head coach Ben Conard. JCCC enters the tournament with a perfect 32-0 record and as the defending national champions. The Cavaliers also captured national titles in 2001 and 2015 and finished runner-up in 2017, 2021 and 2024.

"I'm really proud of our team," said head coach Ben Conrad. "Going through the regular season and region tournament undefeated shows the consistency and toughness this group has had all season. Now we get the chance to go back to the national tournament and compete to defend our title, and that's something our players are really excited about."

Johnson County dominated the glass, outrebounding the Panthers 56-36, which led to a 34-14 advantage in points in the paint. JCCC also forced 27 fouls, resulting in 26 made free throws on 33 attempts.

Mia Adams was one of four Cavaliers to score in double figures, leading the team with 20 points. She finished 6-of-13 from the field, hit two 3-pointers and converted 6-of-7 free throws.

Kara Stricklin also had an efficient shooting day, connecting on 5-of-9 shots, including three from beyond the arc, and making all four of her free throw attempts. Layla Scott finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Jade Warren added 12 points off the bench.

Makayia Johnson led the Cavaliers on the boards with nine rebounds to go along with four points, and Layla Barnes chipped in five points and seven rebounds.

Neosho County was led by Laynie Winfrey with 15 points, while Bauke Graulus added 12.

The Cavaliers now sit at 32-0 and enter the national tournament as a favorite to capture their second consecutive title and fourth overall.

However, history has shown that nothing is guaranteed in March.

Four times in program history, Johnson County's first loss of the season has come in postseason play.

In 2015-16, as the defending national champions, the 31-0 Cavaliers fell to Kansas City Kansas in the Region 6 championship. In 2020-21, with a 19-0 record, the Blue Devils again upset JCCC to win the regional title. The Cavaliers received an at-large bid to the national tournament that year and finished runner-up.

In 2023-24, Johnson County reached the national championship game with a perfect 34-0 record before Kirkwood ended the Cavaliers' bid for perfection with a 69-58 victory. Last season, after finishing the regular season 30-0, Highland upset the top-ranked Cavaliers in the Region 6 semifinals. JCCC again received an at-large bid and took advantage of the opportunity by winning the national championship.

Johnson County now finds itself in a similar position to the 2023-24 team, entering tournament play undefeated. To this point, the Cavaliers have rarely been seriously tested, winning 30 of their 32 games by double digits, including 24 straight entering the tournament.

Johnson County will most likely be the No. 1 seed in the NJCAA Division II Tournament. All season long, the Cavaliers have proven themselves to be the best team in the country.

Now, on March 16, Johnson County will begin its quest for the first perfect season in program history.

"This group has worked extremely hard all season," Conrad said. "Our players have stayed locked in all year, and they understand that this is just the next step. Now are focus shifts to preparing to defend out title."