Lady Bengals fall in District B Tourney, 83-64
By Jamie Anfenson-Comeau
OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – The Lady Bengals lost their chance for a second try at the national title Saturday as Johnson County Community College surged ahead in the second half to score a 83-64 win over the Louisiana State University at Eunice womens’ basketball team, reclaiming the District B title.
It was a battle between two titanic teams, with Johnson County’s Lady Cavaliers ranked fifth in the nation in the NJCAA polls challenging the sixth-ranked Lady Bengals.
The Lady Cavs of Johnson County were clearly out to reclaim the title LSUE snatched away from them by a three-point margin last year.
On Friday, Johnson County rolled over North Arkansas, scoring a 82-53 victory for the opportunity to take on LSUE once again.
On Saturday, both teams fought hard for the lead, with Johnson County managing to break out slightly and lead 37-31 at halftime.
But the Lady Cavs exploded onto the court in the second half, outscoring LSUE by 13 points for the win.
“That team shot tremendous,” Lady Bengal Coach Michael Bari said after the game.
“They were making about 50 percent of their shots, and that’s tough to beat. They out-rebounded us by about 20. They just played tremendously on their home court, and we couldn’t beat them,” he added.
Lady Cav Brittney Slifer led the game in scoring with 19 points, which included five three-point shots.
Bethany Schwab followed closely, chipping in 18 points to Johnson County’s win.
Danielle Shows had 21 rebounds for the Lady Cavs.
Chelsie Guillory led the Lady Bengals in scoring with 17 points, followed by Ariel Dimes with 13 points.
With the loss, the Lady Bengals finish their season with a 19-9 record.
Johnson County’s record improves to 25-8 as they prepare for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Peoria, Ill beginning March 19.
“It was a tough way to lose, but I’m real proud of them,” Bari said of the Lady Bengals. “They fought hard and they didn’t quit.”