Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

2/28/2007
Story by Tyler Cundith

JCCC wins eighth straight region hoops title

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- The Johnson County Community College women’s basketball team won its eighth NJCAA Region VI Division II championship Saturday afternoon, but it wasn’t easy.  The Lady Cavaliers edged Highland Community College by just two points, 86-84, a team they previously defeated earlier in the season by 27 and 13 points.  The victory advances JCCC to the District B Championship next Saturday in Eunice, La.  JCCC’s opponent will be either Louisiana State-Eunice or the Region II winner, North Arkansas or Redlands.  

Four players scored in double figures for Johnson County.  Leading the way was sophomore center Katy Davenport who finished with 20 points.  She was 7-of-17 from the floor, and 6-of-9 at the line.  Freshman Meghan Waggoner followed with 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds and five assists.  Freshmen Brittney Slifer and Heather Rourk followed with 15 points each.  Slifer hit four 3-pointers in the game and had nine rebounds.  

JCCC appeared to have this game under control with just over 10 minutes remaining, leading by 12 points, when Highland’s Joni Ramsey caught fire.  Ramsey nailed three 3-point baskets over a 1:16 span to pull the Lady Scotties back into the the game.  She finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.   Highland took its first lead of the game at 79-77 with 1:51 remaining when Rachelle Gaylord hit three of her game-high 19 points. Gaylord was a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, including two 3-pointers. However, Lady Cavaliers secured the victory by hitting 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch.