The Kansas City Kansas Community College men's basketball team (16-9, 7-2) thrashed the 12th ranked Johnson County Community College Cavaliers (20-5, 6-3), 73-54 Feb. 9 in Overland Park, Kan. It has been eight years since KCKCC has taken down the Cavaliers on their home court.
Throughout the game, there were standout performances from several players for the Blue Devils. Both BJ Stewart and Reginald Morris showcased their scoring prowess, both putting up impressive numbers with 16 points each. Stewart also proved to be a force on the boards, grabbing an impressive 14 rebounds, while Morris knocked down four 3-pointers. Camron Williford orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out seven assists while also contributing on the defensive end with five rebounds. Caleb Jones had eight points, three rebounds, three blocks (season-high) and two steals. Pierce Ross and Mikequese Taylor provided valuable contributions off the bench, with Ross displaying efficiency from behind the arc and Taylor adding eight points while shooting 4-8 from the field. Mason Jones defensively impacted the team with three steals and two rebounds. Jones would finish the day with three points, shooting a perfect 1-1 from the field and behind the arc.
Cavaliers center, Brandon Mann led the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Donald Bangham, Jr. had 13 points along with five rebounds and one steal. Kyler Mann shot 4-12 from the field and finished the day with 12 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal. Mauryon Turner came off the bench and shot 2-5 from the field and 1-2 from behind the arc finishing the day with five points.
For the game, the Blue Devils shot 42.9 percent from the field (27-63), 36.7 percent from three-point range (11-30) and 61.5 percent from the free-throw line (8-13). The Cavaliers shot 34.9 percent from the field (22-63), 10 percent from three-point range (2-20) and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line (8-12). Before the game started, both teams were tied at the top of the KJCCC standings with a 6-2 conference record. With the win, KCKCC sits alone at the top of the standings with a 7-2 conference record. The Blue Devils have five conference games remaining.
The next game for the Blue Devils is against the Highland Community College Scotties at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley.