April 16, 2025
Last Friday, Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed April 11 as Johnson County Community College Women’s Basketball Championship Victory Day in Kansas. The JCCC women’s basketball team and head coach Ben Conrad were invited to the State Capitol in Topeka for the proclamation presentation.
2025 has been a special year for the JCCC women’s basketball team. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the formation of the women’s basketball team, but last month, the Cavaliers won the NJCAA Division II women's basketball national championship.
“Congratulations to the Johnson County Community College women’s basketball team on their historic season,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This NJCAA National Championship is a testament to their hard work and perseverance. I was proud to recognize these athletes and celebrate their tremendous accomplishments on JCCC Women’s Basketball Championship Victory Day.”
In the tournament final on March 22, the Cavaliers beat the Pima Community College Aztecs 75-67 at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center in Joplin, Missouri. In an evenly matched game with 12 ties and 16 lead changes, Johnson County took the lead during the fourth quarter to secure the championship. Freshman guard Layla Scott led the Cavaliers with a game-high 25 points, the most scored in a national championship game in program history.
Johnson County finished their 2024-2025 season 34-1. This is the third national championship for the JCCC women’s basketball team and the second NJCAA D-II title for head coach Ben Conrad.
On Thursday, April 10, Conrad was named NJCAA D-II Coach of the Year. Conrad just completed his 17th season at JCCC. The win over Pima marked his 601st victory as a collegiate head coach.
“It was a tremendous honor to go before the House and Senate and spend a little time with the governor,” said Coach Ben Conrad. “Our young ladies have represented JCCC with so much class throughout the season, and to see them rewarded is special.”
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
eswinne1@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
chrisgray@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
###