SHAWNEE — By any measure, Shawnee Mission South’s boys basketball season has been special. By the Raiders’ standards, it’s just getting started. 

South sits at 18-0 and firmly atop the Class 6A rankings, but the past week may have defined the program’s championship credentials — and its heart — more than any other stretch this winter. 

The Raiders opened with an emotional, state-tournament-level showdown at No. 2 Olathe North, escaping with a dramatic 55-54 victory in a packed, roaring gym. Ben Allen delivered the game-winner on a jumper with 24 seconds left, and South’s defense slammed the door, denying the Eagles a clean look in the final possession. 

“In all my high school years, that was definitely one of the top 5 atmospheres I have ever been a part of - as a high school player or coach,” South head coach Brett McFall said. “I was fortunate to play D1 basketball, and be in some great environments, and that was a college level game. The athleticism was played above the rim, the big plays, the entire atmosphere was just absolutely amazing. I told my team before the game it was going to be something they would remember forever, and it definitely lived up to its billing.   

“After watching the first couple possessions, you could tell this was a different level.  And, we may never have that type of atmosphere again. Because you don't get that at state.  The arena is too big in Wichita, and fans are far away, and the atmosphere doesn't even compare.  So, when you have a packed house in a high school gym (with #1 playing #2), it doesn't get any better than that.” 

North rallied in the second half behind senior point guard Sam Simmons, who poured in a game-high 34 points and pushed the Eagles into a late lead. But Allen’s clutch jumper and the Raiders’ late defensive execution proved to be the difference. 

“Going into this year, I honestly thought we had two of the best players in the state,” McFall said of Allen and Conor Kerrigan. “We had the confidence to go to Ben for the game-winner because he has delivered time and time again.” 
 

Kerrigan added a typical all-around performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while South’s defensive discipline down the stretch sealed the win. 

“We executed our defensive strategy perfectly,” McFall said. “Kaiden Davis listened to exactly what I said and did it perfectly. We’ve practiced those situations over and over, so we were ready.” 

The following day, the Raiders hosted the postponed Dodge City Tournament of Champions title game and pulled away from No. 7 Olathe East for a 64-51 victory. Originally scheduled for Dodge City earlier in the season, the championship was delayed by winter weather.  

“We were tired, but we had some motivation against them,” McFall said. “Playing two good teams back to back is challenging, but that will only help us in the future.” 

South capped the week with an 82-52 rout of Shawnee Mission Northwest, completing a three-win stretch that tested its limits. 

This season, however, has carried a deeper meaning for the Raiders. 

The night before South’s season opener, longtime assistant coach John McFall — Brett McFall’s father — suffered a stroke. A Kansas Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach who guided his son to a state title at Olathe South, John McFall has been a fixture on Shawnee Mission South’s bench for more than a decade. 

“It has been difficult,” Brett McFall said. “He’s been on my bench the last 11 years, and we really miss him when he’s not around.” 

 

John McFall is on the road to recovery and has been back with the team for the past seven games, attending some practices and taking a seat on the bench. 

“His presence there is enough,” Brett McFall said. “The boys have dedicated the season to Coach Johnny Mac, and they are on a mission. We want to win one for him.” 

South returned four leading scorers from last year’s 21-2 squad and entered the season hungry after falling short of its ultimate goal. 

“This group has taken it to another level,” McFall said. “They’re mad and unsatisfied with how last year ended, so we’re definitely playing with an edge.” 

Led by Kerrigan, Allen and Drake Debaun, the Raiders have played with intensity and accountability, establishing a culture built on relentless practice habits and selflessness. 

“These boys get after it,” McFall said. “They are not content, and I love their hunger and dedication.” 

Kerrigan and Debaun are both approaching career milestones and are expected to surpass 1,000 career points in the coming weeks — another marker in a season already filled with memories. 

For now, South continues its pursuit of its first state championship since 2013, driven by a blend of talent, toughness and emotion. 

“The boys set some goals this year, and they have really gotten after it every day at practice, and held each other accountable to reach where we want to go,” McFall asid. “As for the season, it has been an absolute blast. It is such a pleasure to work with these young men. We have kids that work their butt off, they are selfless, and we don't have any attitudes or selfish players on the team."

Other boys standouts: 

• St. Mary’s Colgan junior Brady Bettega put on a show for the Panthers last week in their 78-48 win over Columbus. Bettega scored 32 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Panthers. The win also gives Colgan a 7-0 record in CNC play and are 12-5 on the season. 

• Baldwin’s Leo Schoenberger and Cooper Carr combined for 55 points in the Bulldogs’ 69-61 win over rival Eudora last week that ended a 3-game losing streak. Carr scored a game-high 32 points and Schoenberger finished with 23 as the Bulldogs arenow 12-5 on the year. 

Girls standouts 
 

• The Bishop Miege girls basketball team reached a big milestone last week. The Stags earned the 1,000th win in the history of their program following a 59-25 win over Blue Valley. The Stags are one of the most successful programs in the state with 25 state championships. 
   

  

• Kansas City Christian junior Anna Stetler earned her 1,000th career point on Feb. 3 in a win over Northland Christian School. On the season, Stetler is averaging more than 20 points a game to go along with nearly eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game. KC Christian is currently 16-4 on the season. 
   

  

• Ottawa junior Leah Askins-Dieterich also reached the 1,000 point career mark in a 62-30 home win over Louisburg. Askins-Dieterich is off to a fast start for the Cyclones as she reached the mark despite missing six games her sophomore season. Currently, she leads the Frontier League in scoring at 22 points per game. 

• Baldwin had a successful tournament week as the Bulldogs finished runner-up at the Top Gun Tournament in Wellsville falling in double overtime to Spring Hill. Chloe Neufeld was named to the all-tournament and all-academic team, while Cami Collum and Emme Nigh also earned all-tournament team honors.