With a mix of experienced returning players and promising underclassmen ready to lead Homestead, the year could shape up to be an exciting one for the Spartans. Returning to lead the team are seven varsity players, all of whom contributed significantly last year.
Among them is Wyatt Weaver, a 6’3” senior forward, who led the team with 9 points per game. Joining him in the senior class are guards Josh Rodgers and Michael Raudenbush, who averaged 7 and 8 points per game, respectively, adding depth to the team’s scoring and playmaking abilities. Weaver is a great inside-out option that can work in the post or handle himself on the perimeter while Raudenbush has established himself as a shot creater from 15 feet out.
Senior Owen Smith also returns, having provided steady scoring at 6 points per game last season. Smith was injured late last season but returned during the summer with some strong performances for Homestead in June and in AAU in July. Aidan Good, another 6’1” senior guard, rounds out the experienced backcourt with his 2-point-per-game average. In the frontcourt, 6’4” sophomore forward Mack Welker looks to build on his 5-point-per-game contribution from last season, alongside sophomore guard Jake Coolman, a 6-footer who averaged 6 points per game. Welker was one of the most watched freshmen a season ago and a lot of eyes will continue to be on him.
“We have a lot of returning players who received a lot of minutes as Juniors and Freshmen last
year. Hopefully that experience will pay off this year,” coach Chris Johnson said.
Adding to the roster are two new varsity players projected to make an impact on the interior. Brogan McNiece, a 6’4” junior forward, is moving up from the JV team, bringing size and versatility to the frontcourt. Joining him is brother Braylon McNiece, a 6’4” freshman forward from Woodside Middle School. Despite his youth, Braylon’s size and potential have already turned heads.
With seven seasoned players returning, the team’s chemistry is expected to be a significant asset. The seniors, in particular, will play a vital role in setting the tone both on and off the court. Wyatt Weaver and Michael Raudenbush are poised to lead the scoring charge, while Josh Rodgers and Owen Smith provide valuable support as reliable playmakers. Their ability to work together and execute under pressure will be key to the team’s success.
WHY #3?
This is Homestead after all, isn’t it?
A season ago, they went “just” 14-13, but put out a winning record after graduation, transfer and Will Jamison’s accident left Homestead with virtually no varsity experience to start a new season. Coach Chris Johnson rarely goes as inexperienced or young as he did a season ago, yet Homestead still found ways with wins over the likes of North Side, East Noble, Snider, New Haven and others before reaching a Sectional final.
Now think of all they did a year ago and add all of that valuable experience they have back from it. Playing inexperienced and young may not have been the initial vision for last season but it certainly puts Homestead in a great spot to start this one.
KEY GAME
December 20 at Bishop Luers
This is the first of the big measuring sticks for Homestead in the conference. It is also the 7th game of the season for Homestead, who opens up with a bit of a tough schedule including out of conference games with Tippecanoe Valley, Manchester and Warsaw.
This tilt though will really showcase where the Spartan defense is during the first half of the season before the calendar changes to 2025. Last season, Homestead stayed within 13 of the Knights and did so without star guard Will Jamison so the lineups for both teams going into this game are going to be similar in a lot of ways as they were last season.
A loss doesn’t mean the end of SAC hopes this season, but this will be a crucial semi-early one to see where the Spartans match up at the top of the conference.
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