OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A common theme for the Johnson County men's basketball team hree quarters through the 2024-25 regular season has been to get out early against the opposing team. That played out again on Saturday afternoon, as the Cavaliers built an 11-point lead after 20 minutes of play on their way to a 78-63 win over cross-town rival Kansas City Kansas.
Sophomore guard Mauryon Turner led the No. 10 Johnson County with a career high 22 points, draining 10 of his 11 shot attempts. He also was 2-for-3 at the free throw line and grabbed six rebounds.
Freshman forward Tavian Cruise followed with 21 points and a team-high 12 rebounds to post his 10th double-double of the season. Cruse also had a hot hand making 9-of-15 shots.
Othe key performances were turned in by sophomore guard Steven Samuels (11 points, 2 steals), sophomore forward Traeger Rader (9 points, 5 rebounds), freshman guard Gavin Harvey (7 points, 9 assists) and freshman guard Joey Robinson (5 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists).
With the victory, Johnson County increased its lead in the D-II Kanas Jayhawk Conference standings improving to 9-0, two games ahead of the Blue Devils at 7-2. The Cavaliers (21-3) will face the Highland Scotties (15-9/5-3) on Wednesday night, February 12.