In just short time at the helm of the Highland lady Scotties basketball program Head Coach, BJ Smith the NJCAA Division II Coach of Year last year now has the ladies in the NJCAA Division National Championship tournament this season after another great year.

It wasn't an easy path for the Scotties this season playing in a tough KJCCC conference but behind their 27-5 record they took down Johnson County CC in the Regional VI Championship 76-75 to avenge a loss in last year's regional championship to JCCC. The game ended in thrilling fashion as the Scotties needed a buzzer beater by Ashley Torres to win after free throws by JCCC; Torres connected on the runner to give the Scotties the win. Highland beat JCCC for the second time this season in three matches as both times the Cavaliers of JCCC were ranked #1 in the country and the Scotties knocked them off the pedestal.

Highland's season has been highlighted by a multitude of things all season as they posted 27 wins keeping them ranked in the top 10 of the country in Division II all season, including a stint at #1 for a short time. Scotties have been lead by a balanced attack all season with three players averaging double figures throughout the season. Sophomore forward, TaMiya Green leads the team in scoring with 13.3 ppg while averaging a double-double on the year with 10.4 rpg. Sophomore, Janelle Saling and freshman, Carina Jackson also each average double figures on the year as Saling posts 10.1 ppg and Jackson 11.3 ppg. Sophomore, Royce Shields and freshman and Holton native, Ryann Bowser each post over nine points per game this season to help add to the balance.

Scotties are on a three game winning streak and average nearly 75 points per game to their opponents 53, outscoring their opponents on average by 22 points.

Highland sets up to hit the hardwood in the NJCAA Division II National tournament tomorrow night (Tuesday March 19th) at 8:00pm as they will be the #6 seed taking on the #11 seed Chesapeake College of Maryland who is 22-1, having won their last 13 games and are Region XX champions. The Skipjacks of Chesapeake College feature three players that average double figures on the season lead by Shantrel Oliver who posts 16.8 ppg. As a team the Skipjacks average 68 points per game and give up 51 points per game to their opponents.

Lady Scotties set to continue their season in the NJCAA Division II National tournament tomorrow night with another game guaranteed win or loss; Scotties if win in first round would play Wednesday at 6:00pm if loss in first round would play at 3:00pm. The games will be streamed online via IHigh.com (click here for a link) and for more information on the tournament and a bracket visit the host school website Illinois Central College (click here).

Interviews from the Highland All-Star game with Lady Scottie players: Royce Shields, TaMiya Green and Ryann & Rylie Bowser are below, as well as an interview with Head Coach, BJ Smith.

Highland Lady Scotties Head Coach, BJ Smith chats with Justin Fluke about the success of this year's team, the National tournament coming up and the quick turn around for the program.

Highland Lady Scotties and Holton natives, Ryann and Rylie Bowser talked about the great season for the Lady Scotties with Justin Fluke, while talking about the chance to continue their basketball career together at Highland.

Highland Lady Scotties, Royce Shields and TaMiya Green caught up with Mike Smith to chat about the Scotties season, the national tournament and what its like to be on a winning squad in college basketball.