Watch SM Basketball Games Live

Shawnee Mission School District

Live broadcasts of Shawnee Mission girls and boys basketball games begin Friday, January 17.

Presentations will be produced with help from Shawnee Mission broadcast students and film crew operators. Students work alongside members of the Communication Department to experience and learn the specifics broadcasting a live event.

“Broadcasting a live event is a different experience than doing a video story,” Tom Stephens, SMSD videographer explained. “This is a unique opportunity for high school students and gives them some professional experience.”

Shawnee Mission Northwest sophomore, Michael Owens will be the announcer for the games, along with the hosting school student announcers.  Michael’s brother, Matt, was the live broadcast announcer when he attended high school. He is now broadcasting college sports. Michael is happy they have the same enthusiasm for broadcasting and that they can share this interest.

Billy Dent, SMNW Broadcast Teacher, shares that Michael is following in his brother’s footsteps, with the program, “Cougar Round-Up”, a weekly SMNW broadcast show recapping school events in the spotlight.

Dent also comments, “Michael brings a great balance of entertainment, along with his knowledge of sports for everyone to enjoy.”

Michael is also the school newspaper sports editor.  He comments, “I realize our readers do not just want a recap of the game.  Vivid language helps engage readers, along with being knowledgeable of the players, their statistics, and being able to talk about their character.” 

“I always hope the viewers will be informed and entertained, and not mute the game. I strive to share a different and new aspect of each game.”

Michael’s advice for those considering announcing or a broadcast class is to be yourself and have fun. He says there is something for everyone in this field. He feels very fortunate to have this opportunity at school and to share and develop his talent.

Livestream game links will be shared on www.smsd.org before the game begins. Broadcasts will also be shared on Spectrum cable channel 2.

The basketball broadcasts will start with the girls varsity game at about 5:30 p.m. and the boys varisty game at approximately 7 p.m.

Mark your calendar for the following livestream games:

Jan. 17 – Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission South at Shawnee Mission East 

Feb. 14 - Shawnee Mission West and Shawnee Mission Northwest at Shawnee Mission West

Feb. 28- Shawnee Mission North and Shawnee Mission East at Shawnee Mission North