Box Score The second match-up between the top two teams in the KJCCC met again in a conference match-up, this time at the home of the Cavaliers. The #3 Highland Scotties and the #7 Johnson County Cavaliers both were fighting for a win closer to the conference title. The Scotties prevailed with an 86-66 victory, now with a two game lead in the conference race with three games to go.
The start of the game proved the worth of both teams in a tough battle to gain control. Redshirt freshman Maria Alcantara nailed two three's with Niccolly Ramalho and Blaize Burgess each with one to help the tie 20-20 at the end of the quarter.
Berniezha Tidwell stepped on the court and made plays for the Scotties scoring half of the teams points alone in the 2nd quarter. A lay-up by Mariane De Caravalho at the last second had the #3 Highland Scotties up 43-37 at the half.
Highland took charge of the 3rd quarter out-scoring the Cavaliers 31-16 behind sophomore starters Burgess, Caravalho, and Ramalho. The team out rebounded Johnson 11-6 and forced seven turnovers while shooting 65% from the field goal range.
Sydney Brinlee and Tidwell scored nine of the teams 12 final points in the game to push the 20-point win. Tidwell, with an 18-point game, is now 3rd in the KJCCC averaging 15.7ppg.
Burgess claimed her 3rd 20+ point contest with 24 points, career high eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal. "We played well together, we stayed together… When Johnson started to get a lead, we didn't panic, we still played aggressive, and that was a major part of the win."
Head Coach BJ Smith shared positive feedback in the post-game interview, "This was a great team win… We had several people contribute… I was proud with how we kept our focus… We did not lose our composure. Johnson doesn't lose many games at home, it's a tough place to play. We knew how big this game was… It was a nice job by everyone."
The Scotties continue their streak undefeated 27-0, 6-0 in conference, looking ahead to host the Hesston Larks (11-15, 0-7) on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00PM.
