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Balanced Attack Lifts Johnson County Past Illinois Central for third place at NJCAA D-II Tournament

The image shows a large group of basketball team members and coaching staff gathered together on a gymnasium court for a posed team photo. Here’s a detailed description: Overall Setting The group is standing on a hardwood basketball court. A red-and-black gym logo is visible beneath their feet. The background includes gym walls, padding, and a partially visible banner behind the group. Group Composition The group consists of players wearing matching basketball uniforms and several staff members standing on each side. The players are wearing light-colored jerseys with dark trim. The word “Cavaliers” is printed across the front of the uniforms. Each uniform includes a visible number, such as 3, 0, 22, and others. Team members are arranged in multiple rows: some standing in back, some slightly crouched or leaning forward in front. Objects and Details A central person in the front row is holding a trophy/plaque, which appears to signify a tournament placement or championship achievement. Footwear varies, with several kinds of athletic shoes in different colors, including white, black, and neon yellow. One staff member on the left is wearing a dark athletic outfit with the word “Coach” on the chest. On the right side, another staff member is dressed in athletic apparel with the word “Cavaliers” on the shirt. Lighting and Atmosphere The lighting is typical of an indoor gym, evenly illuminating the group. The overall setting suggests a celebratory moment—likely after a tournament game or award ceremony.
JCCC celebrates third place finish at NJCAA D-II National Tournament

Game Leaders

Illinois Central College
Pts: Ellie VanMeenen - 15
Reb: Addy Engel - 9
Ast: 2 Players (#4, #23) - 5
Johnson County Community College
Pts: Kara Stricklin - 18
Reb: Makenna Jennings - 11
Ast: Layla Scott - 8

Team Stats

Illinois Central College
Johnson County Community College

Field Goals

(26-64)
(31-78)

Field Goal %

40.6%
39.7%

Rebounds

39
50

Assists

16
18

Turnovers

13
11

Pts off Turnovers

8
14

2nd Chance Pts

7
19

Pts in the Paint

26
30

Fastbreak Pts

4
2

Bench Pts

11
18
full stats
Posted: Mar 22, 2026

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Behind a balanced offensive effort and a dominant presence on the glass, Johnson County Community College defeated Illinois Central College 77-68 on Saturday afternoon at the Tarlton Complex in Hickory, N.C., for a third place finish at the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament.

The Cavaliers improved to 35-1 on the season, using a strong first half and second-chance scoring to hold off a late push from the Cougars (32-5).

Johnson County set the tone early, edging out a 17-14 lead after the first quarter before creating separation in the second. The Cavaliers poured in 23 points in the period and took a 40-29 advantage into halftime.

Illinois Central responded in the third quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and trimming the deficit to 56-46 heading into the final frame. The Cougars continued to battle in the fourth, scoring 22 points, but Johnson County matched the effort down the stretch to secure the nine-point win.

Kara Stricklin led the Cavaliers with 18 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Mia Adams added 12 points, while Anonda Ford contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Makenna Jennings controlled the boards with a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with nine points.

Layla Scott filled up the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists and eight rebounds, helping facilitate an offense that produced 18 assists on 31 made field goals.  

The Cavaliers' dominance on the glass proved to be a key difference. Johnson County outrebounded Illinois Central 50-39, including 20 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points.

Illinois Central was led by Ellie VanMeenen, who scored 15 points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting from three-point range. Addy Engel and Lily Luczkowiak each added 13 points, while Larissa Taylor chipped in 12.

This is the seventh top-three national tournament finish in program history and the sixth under head coach Ben Conard.