Team Preview: Shawnee Mission South Lady Raiders

As we approach the 2025/26 high school basketball season here at Prep Girls Hoops, we are amazed by the growth we see in the program year to year. We are always excited to cover programs and the makeup of teams. In this article, we will take a look at the Shawnee Mission SouthLady Raiders   The Raiders are a part of the Sunflower League, which consists of these teams from the following area in the state of Kansas. Shawnee Mission, Overland Park, Olathe, Gardner, and Lawrence. Last year, South finished 2nd in the Sunflower with an 11-2 record. They finished 14-8 overall and look to stay atop the best teams in the league and state. They are led by Coach Mark Western, who is in his 7th year. Western continues to have a significant impact on the Lady Raiders, relevant in the conversations of top teams in the Sunflower and the state every year by developing some of the top talent in the state. He'll be looking to make another state title run this year.     Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='544011' first='Laila' last='Johnson-Berndt'] - Senior forward with tons of versatility within her game. Laila did it all for South a year ago. She showed her ability to play with her back to the basket, beat defenders off the bounce for layups as well as knock down the three.     [player_tooltip player_id='910369' first='Eleni' last='Jouras'] - Senior forward who played valuable minutes last year and will look to increase her production this year. Great role player that brings energy and intensity to the game in and out.     [player_tooltip player_id='982110' first='Micah' last='Kirkwood'] - Senior point guard who is one of our top-ranked players in the class of 2026. Micah is a fearless guard who is a great jo of running the show, scoring when needed, and distributing to teammates. She has great vision, a very good IQ, and instincts. Shoots it well from range, is crafty around the basket, and plays well through contact.     [player_tooltip player_id='910370' first='Elsie' last='Slaven'] - Senior forward who will play well this year. Slaven does a good job of protecting the rim and also stepping out and showing her range beyond the arch.     [player_tooltip player_id='849030' first='Kylenna' last='Potts'] - Junior, Combo guard with good athleticism, quickness, and feel for the game. Potts is super unselfish and does a great job of getting teammates involved in the game. She's solid with the ball in her hands and shows consistency when it comes to making he right play. She's great in the midrange and shows good range from deep. She's a fierce defender and is constantly in the passing lanes for steals and deflections.     [player_tooltip player_id='884871' first='Ella' last='Jack'] - Junior combo guard that does a great job of getting downhill and finishing. Jack is strong and has a level of toughness that, if it isn't matched, becomes a nightmare to contain. She shoots it well from midrange and the three. Tough on the defensive end and makes it hard for opponents to get good looks.     [player_tooltip player_id='836264' first='Ashley' last='Kramer'] - Junior guard who has played varsity minutes since her freshman year. One of the conferences and states sharpshooters. It has a limitless range and shows consistent shooting.     Newcomers   [player_tooltip player_id='1313319' first='Amiyah' last='Carter'] - Freshman combo guard who is on our 2029 Watchlist. A skilled, athletic, and high-IQ player who is expected to play good minutes for the Raiders. Carter can score from all three levels and does a great job of running the show and getting teammates involved. She has quick hands and great instincts on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1480445' first='Riley' last='Kramer'] - Freshman combo guard who can really stretch the defense with her shooting. Kramer also brings play-making abilities and an energy in intensity to the game that should help her get good minutes for South.     Dec 2nd @ 7pm against Heights South