(Photo by: Adalyn Sparks)

The women’s basketball season came to an end–sooner than it did last year, unfortunately. After a heart-crushing single-point loss to Pima Community College on March 20th in the semifinals, the Cavs placed third overall in the national championship tournament after beating Illinois Central College. Although they weren’t able to bring it home this year, they still marked the 2025-26 season as one to remember.

“We’ve been here many times; it’s really hard to win it all. I always feel like if we can be knocking on the door enough times, probability says you’ll push through,” says Ben Conrad, the head coach of the women’s basketball team. “Right now, we’ve already won it in this program three times, so we just gotta keep on knocking.”

The Cavs finished their season 35-1 overall, undefeated at home and away, and averaged 90 points per game. This season showcased many talented freshman players. Names like Jade Warren, Anonda Ford and Mia Adams made big splashes in KJCCC hoops this season.

“This was the youngest, most inexperienced group we’ve ever had here. Our freshmen made huge strides all year,” says Conrad. “Honestly, it’s amazing what this group did with such inexperience. I think when we step away a little, we’re gonna feel really good about what we accomplished.”

Johnson County is no stranger to high stakes. Year after year, we see them blow opponents out of the water all season long and find their way back to the national tournament. The women’s basketball team has finished in the top three in the last three years and, champions or not, that is certainly something to be proud of.