Team Preview: Shawnee Mission Northwest Lady Cougars

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 sport year after year. Each winter, new programs break through, returning stars raise their ceilings, and fresh underclass talent reshapes the competitive landscape. This season is no different—and few programs embody that progress more than the Shawnee Mission Northwest Lady Cougars.   The Lady Cougars compete in the always-competitive Sunflower League, which features programs from across the Kansas metro including Shawnee Mission, Overland Park, Olathe, Gardner, and Lawrence. Last season, Shawnee Mission Northwest finished 5th in the league with an 8–4 record, closing the year 11–8 overall. With a strong returning core and rising underclass talent, the Cougars are determined to climb even higher in the standings this winter.   The program is led by Head Coach Tyler Stewart, now entering his 12th season at the helm. Stewart has consistently kept the Cougars relevant in Sunflower League and statewide conversations, developing some of Kansas' top talent year after year. His steady leadership, player-focused development, and emphasis on competitiveness have made Shawnee Mission Northwest a fixture among the region's most respected programs.       Key Returners:   Abby O'Connor - A senior point guard who is fundamentally sound, she does an excellent job controlling the pace and running the offense. Her decision-making, poise, and ability to organize the team make her a true floor general. Defensively, she is a strong on-ball presence—staying disciplined, containing penetration, and consistently keeping the ball in front of her.     [player_tooltip player_id='746588' first='Rikai' last='Cook'] - A junior forward with impressive versatility, Cook shows multiple dimensions in her game. She can put the ball on the floor, create separation, and knock down pull-up jumpers, while also possessing the strength and body control to get downhill and finish through contact. Defensively, she brings a physical presence and sound fundamentals—never shying away from tough matchups and consistently rising to the challenge.     Naive Blount - A senior guard with strong physicality and relentless determination, Naive consistently attacks the basket and refuses to be stopped around the rim. She understands the importance of the mid-range game and does an excellent job creating space off the dribble for pull-up jumpers. On defense, she sets the tone for the team with her intensity, discipline, and strong defensive mentality.     [player_tooltip player_id='729411' first='Ruth' last='Gipson'] - A junior forward with strong size and true versatility, Ruth is a legitimate inside-and-out threat. She has the ability to secure a rebound, push the break herself, and finish the play—either with a bucket or a well-timed assist. In the post, she confidently demands the ball and uses her size, strength, and touch to punish defenders around the rim. She rebounds at a high level and provides reliable interior defense, holding her ground and contesting effectively in close.     Olivia Smigalovic - A junior point guard with excellent court vision and awareness, Olivia consistently gets the ball exactly where it needs to be and on time. She reads defenses well, attacks downhill with purpose, and forces help before delivering timely, accurate passes. Her ability to create advantages and facilitate offensive flow makes her a steady and impactful floor leader.     Liana Sepulveda - A junior lefty forward who plays with tremendous intensity, energy, and effort on both ends, Liana is seemingly everywhere on the floor. She's constantly around the ball—creating deflections, jumping passing lanes, and generating steals. On the glass, she is relentless, attacking both the offensive and defensive boards with purpose. Offensively, she's a strong downhill driver who uses her motor and physicality to pressure the defense, and she plays with a high level of unselfishness, always looking to make the right play for her team.     Peyton Denton - A junior point guard who is smart and reliable, she provides stability and poise at the position. On both ends of the floor, she isn't afraid to mix it up—playing solid defense, contesting passes, and staying involved in the action while running the offense effectively.       Newcomers:   [player_tooltip player_id='1015803' first='Tess' last='Zans'] - A sophomore forward and transfer from De Soto, Tess adds meaningful depth to the Lady Cougars' frontcourt. She is a true stretch forward who can operate effectively both inside and out. With her back to the basket, she shows strong footwork and touch, but she's equally capable of stepping out to knock down midrange shots and stretch the floor from beyond the arc. Defensively, she holds her own in the post and rebounds the ball well, giving Northwest another reliable presence on the glass.     Justice Jackson - A freshman wing with strong athleticism, Justice shows early promise as a future key contributor for the Lady Cougars—both this season and in the years to come. She plays with great unselfishness, routinely making the extra pass and keeping the offense moving, yet she also has the ability to create her own scoring opportunities when needed. Defensively, she is a solid on-ball presence who uses her athleticism to stay in front and disrupt opponents.

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 sport year after year. Each winter, new programs break through, returning stars raise their ceilings, and fresh underclass talent reshapes the competitive landscape. This season is no different—and few programs embody that progress more than the Shawnee Mission Northwest Lady Cougars.