On Saturday evening, the women’s basketball team at Kirkwood secured their ninth national championship by achieving a 69-58 victory over the No. 1 seed Johnson County. With their impressive 35-2 season record, the Eagles demonstrated dominance in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II title game, taking the lead after the first quarter and never relinquishing it.
Jenna Twedt, a standout freshman from Benton Community, led the charge for Kirkwood with 18 points, while Demetria Prewitt also made a significant contribution with 13 points and nine rebounds. The team’s strong defensive performance restricted Johnson County to a shooting accuracy of 36.8%, as the Cavaliers encountered difficulties at the free-throw line, making only 11 of 26 attempts.
The championship win signifies a noteworthy accomplishment for Coach Kim Muhl, who has provided leadership to the Kirkwood team for 35 years. This victory represents the team’s second national title in the last three years, further consolidating their legacy in women’s college basketball.
The journey to the championship was arduous for Kirkwood, as they conquered formidable opponents in the national tournament. Their victories against Lake Land (90-69), Morton (88-78), and Mesa (66-43) propelled them to the title game against Johnson County. Throughout the tournament, Jenna Twedt proved to be a pivotal player for Kirkwood, averaging an impressive 17.8 points per game.
Concluding the season with an impressive 21-game winning streak, Kirkwood’s triumph underscores their dedication and proficiency on the court. With their ninth national championship secured, the Eagles have undoubtedly solidified their standing as a dominant force in women’s college basketball.