March 22, 2025
Kirkwood Falls To Johnson County in Final Four
Joplin, MO-
Johnson County 66
Kirkwood 60
In a rematch of last year's national title game, 4-seeded Johnson County knocked off defending champion Kirkwood 66-60 Friday night in Joplin, MO.
Sophomore Kaliyah Sain connected on a three-pointer late in the first quarter to give the Eagles a 15-9 lead after a quarter of play.
Kirkwood (32-1) maintained their lead throughout the second quarter and took a 33-26 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Johnson County used 10-2 run over the first 5:34 to take a 36-35 lead.
Sophomore Jenna Twedt knocked down a jumper on Kirkwood's next possession to give the Eagles back the lead at 37-36.
The Eagles would own a 46-44 lead after three quarters.
A 12-4 run by Johnson County over the first 5:02 of the fourth quarter gave the Cavaliers a 56-48 lead.
Two free throws by Sain with 2:12 remaining got the Eagles within five points at 61-56, but that would be as close as they would get as Johnson County came out on top with the win to advance to the national championship game.
Sophomore Jariah Harris came off the bench to lead the Eagles with 12 points.
Freshman Olivia Wren added 11 points.
Twedt & Sain both finished with nine points and Sain grabbed a career high 12 rebounds.
Kirkwood will now take on 2-seed CCBC Essex in the third-place game at 5:00 on Saturday evening.
Link to Box Score:
