Girls Basketball Preview: Shaker Heights; Can They Elevate in Season 2 Under Conwell?

 Girls Basketball Preview: Shaker Heights; Can They Elevate in Season 2 Under Conwell? 

YEAR OF THE LADY RAIDERS? 

The Shaker Heights Lady Raiders come into this season with a renewed energy that carried over from last season as coach Carlton Conwell starts his second season at the helm.

Last season was a very good one for the Lady Raiders program as they finished in the top 3 of the conference, established a new identity, and even got a win in the OHSAA playoffs before bowing out in the 2nd round.

However the end of the season finished on a erratic note, souring how the season could have ended. 

There was a altercation at the last home game of the season, in the final seconds, against their rival nonetheless, and the Lady Raiders were never able to fully recover, as they lost players for the rest of the season and played shorthanded at the end.

Nevertheless, coach Conwell has reloaded, and is confident as ever in his team, which goes into a whole new conference this season (Greater Cleveland Conference). 

"We're extremely happy with what we did last season, turning the program around and creating some excitement and energy for the program. Now we have to continue to elevate. We have the pieces and the culture to do that." 

With the likes of sisters Lizzy and CeCi Favret back, along with guards Aryn Harris and Layla Robinson, the team is set for another good season. 

Ceci Favret has committed to Marquette for soccer while Lizzy is one of the top juniors in Ohio.

Coach Conwell also brought back his staff and added a coach, with legendary coach Leon Hines joining the staff. Hines last coached at Shaw HS a few years ago.

After some nice showing in scrimmages, the Lady Raiders will be put to the test today, as they will play in their first regular season game today. 

They will face Villa Angela St Joseph today at 2pm at Cleveland Heights. 

Coach Conwell spoke on the excitement of the new season and their expectations. 

We're ready for the new conference, the new season, and we want to be one of the top teams in Cleveland this season. Coach Conwell stated. 

"We feel like we can do that. The girls have bought in. We just have to continue to work hard every day and stick with our "WE" mentality. It's "WE" this season, not "ME".  

Look for a exciting second season for coach Conwell and his Lady Raider squad. 

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