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Dream season hits postseason roadblock for Cavaliers

The photo shows an indoor basketball game in progress. In the foreground, a player wearing a white uniform with yellow and black accents, labeled “Johnson County” and the number 1, is taking a jump shot. The player is positioned near the three-point line, with arms fully extended and the basketball released above the head.
Another player in a dark uniform with red and blue accents is attempting to defend, with one arm raised toward the shooter. The background features a packed set of bleachers with spectators watching the game. Behind the seating area, a large sign reads “CAVALIERS”, indicating the venue or team name. The court area is well-lit, and the overall atmosphere suggests a competitive college-level basketball game.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – After a historic run through the 2025–26 season that included the first undefeated regular season in program history, the Johnson County Community College men's basketball team learned that even a perfect regular season does not guarantee postseason success.

The No. 3-ranked Cavaliers, the top seed in the Region 6 Division II Tournament, were upset by fourth-seeded Fort Scott Community College, 73–61, dropping Johnson County to 29-1 on the season.

Johnson County held a narrow two-point lead at halftime and was tied with Fort Scott, 46-46, with just under 12 minutes remaining. The momentum shifted when Greyhounds guard Makean Hastings hit a long-range 3-pointer for three of his game-high 26 points. A 3-point basket and free throw by Noah Porter soon followed, giving Fort Scott a lead it would not relinquish.

The Cavaliers struggled offensively down the stretch, going 0-for-12 from beyond the arc in the second half and shooting just 27 percent from the field. Meanwhile, the Greyhounds connected on 42 percent of their shots in the final 20 minutes, made four 3-pointers and converted 11 of 13 free throws to secure the upset.

Joey Robinson led Johnson County with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Tavian Cruse narrowly missed his 18th double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. Aidan Wing added 10 points and eight boards, while Avian Webb provided 11 points. Bryce Walker contributed seven points and eight rebounds to lead the Cavaliers' bench.

For Fort Scott, Jadyn Hollis added 14 points and Porter finished with 13.

Despite the loss, Johnson County's season may not be over. After spending the majority of the season ranked No. 3 nationally and completing an undefeated regular season, the Cavaliers remain a strong candidate to receive an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship.