COURTESY OF JOHNSON COUNTY ATHLETICS (3/23/25)

NJCAA Recap

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Johnson County Cavaliers were crowned NJCAA Division II national women's basketball champions Saturday night, beating No. 6 seed Pima Aztecs 75-67 at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in Joplin, Mo.

The win gives coach Ben Conrad his second NJCAA D-II title and JCCC women's basketball program its third national championship.

In a very evenly matched game that featured 12 ties and 16 lead changes, Johnson County was able to pull away in the fourth quarter to secure the championship.

The Cavaliers connected on 24-of-59 shot attempts, including nine beyond the 3-point line. Pima was 25-for-59 shooting but only connected on two long-range shots. JCCC also converted 18 free throws, three more than the Aztecs.

Freshman guard Layla Scott, the most valuable player of the tournament, led Johnson County with a game-high 25 points, the most scored in a national championship game in program history. Scott was 8-of-15 shooting including 6-of-13 from 3- point range. Her six made 3-point baskets are also team championship game record and tie the second most made in a national tournament game.

 Sophomore forward Yar Manyiel, who was an all-tournament selection, followed with 11 points and five rebounds. She made all three of her shot attempts and connected on 5-of-6 free throw tries.

Sophomore forward Aa'Mya Stacker, who also earned a spot on the all-tournament team, was JCCC's top rebounder with eight, and she contributed six points.

Freshmen guards Kara Stricklin and Jamya McPherson came in off the bench to provide eight and six points respectively.

Pima was led by sophomore guard, Amelie Buffill-Gutierez, from off the bench with 18 points. Rori Hoffmeyer followed with 12 and Melicia Nelson added eight points and game-high 14 rebounds.

Johnson County finishes the season 34-1. The Aztecs close out their season 29-6.