Who wins the SAC? It is a question at the forefront of many a basketball mind when a new season starts.
There are two real powerhouses with Division 1 talent at the top of the list. But don’t think that this is as easy as Wayne versus Luers. There are traditional powers, there are young upstarts and there are a lot of questions for many teams.
The SAC may not be wide open like the NE8 has the potential to be, but you have to be sharp every night in this conference.
THE FAVORITE
WAYNE GENERALS
Wayne basketball is poised for another exciting season, led by a talented and experienced senior group. At the forefront is 6’3” guard Chase Barnes, a Junior All-Star and Junior All-State selection last year. Barnes averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, earning recognition as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. His coach believes Barnes will contend for Indiana All-Star honors and possibly even Mr. Basketball by season’s end. Supporting him are Trey Dillard, a 6’8” forward who averaged a double-double last season with 12.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, and 6’6” wing Preston Comer, a versatile player who contributed 7.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 33% from three-point range.
The roster is rounded out by seniors Khalyn Williams-Thomas (8.3 ppg), a 6’4” guard/wing known for his athleticism, and Harold Mack, a 6’0” utility player who brings versatility to multiple positions. Adding depth and energy are Shawn Green, a 6’1” junior guard moving up from JV, and sophomore Tyree Eldridge, another 6’1” guard with a high basketball IQ.
“We have good experience returning this season. Our seniors have been to two semi-states and
one final four. They have won the conference the past two seasons,” said coach Anthony Brewer.
THE CONTENDER
BISHOP LUERS KNIGHTS
This Bishop Luers squad stands out for its length and athleticism, enabling versatile scoring and tenacious defense. Leading the way are twin 6’4” guards Dereon and Drelyn Truesdale, who powered the offense last season. Dereon led the team with 17.5 points per game, while Drelyn closely followed with 15.6. Their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor will be key to the team’s success.
Supporting the Truesdale brothers are senior forward Danny Kelly and junior guard Carmani Davis. Kelly, a 6’6” forward, averaged 9.3 points per game and provides a strong interior presence, while Davis brings energy and quickness, contributing 8.3 points per game. Rounding out the experienced group are senior guards Hunter Meek and Zach Calderon and junior guard Keyon Crowe. With new players like 6’4” forward Ayle Taylor transferring from Homestead and a mix of promising JV call-ups and freshmen, this roster is deep and poised for a competitive season.
“Our young men are hungry because although our program took a big step forward last year, winning 20 games, competing with and beating some of the best teams in the city, we did not reach any of our goals in March,” coach Seth Coffing said.
THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
BISHOP DWENGER
The Saints will face a big change as Matt Kostoff won’t be on the sidelines anymore after a decorated career and one of the longest tenures in Northeast Indiana. Now, longtime assistant Brandon O’Leary takes the lead and the Saints have to be hoping that not much changes or wavers in their culture. That starts with a four player senior class with plenty of experience, headed by 6-1 Aslan Nolan (13 ppg/4.5 rpg). Joining him in the backcourt will be senior teammates Brady O’Keefe and Connor Wright. The Saints will also return a pair of 6-2 forwards in senior Ryan Groves and junior Eddie Miller.
The team will add height in the face of a pair of newcomers. Junior JT Morlan (6-5) is up from the Saints junior varsity, while move in Brayden Hassenzahl also stands at 6-5. Sophomore guard George Poiry will also be up from the junior varsity level.
“The Saints will look to capitalize on being a guard oriented team with strong experience and newcomers in the backcourt. Strong defense has always and will continue to be a focal point,” O’Leary said.
CARROLL
Carroll faces another overhaul as legendary coach Chris Benedict steps in with 461 career wins in 32 years on the sidelines, last at Whitko. Paxton Crane, a 6’7” junior forward who averaged 6.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game last season, leads the way as a high success rate scorer. Joining him is 5’9” junior guard Tyler Morris, who contributed 2.4 points per game, and sophomores Brody Fisher, a 6’6” forward, and Miles Hering, a 6’3” guard, who showed flashes of potential last season with their scoring and defensive efforts.
Several promising newcomers from JV add depth and energy to the roster. Sophomore Logan Heath and juniors Monzer Omar and Cole Lambert strengthen the backcourt, while freshmen Eli Neuhouser and Dom Keferl, both forwards standing 6’5” and 6’3” respectively, bring size and athleticism to the frontcourt. Additionally, freshman Jack VanOrder, a 6’1” guard, is expected to contribute as a versatile scorer.
“Key areas of defensive and rebounding toughness along with taking care of the basketball to maximize offensive possessions will be critical for success,” said Benedict.
CONCORDIA
The Cadets are one of a couple of teams in the SAC that have to hit a pretty full rebuild due to the graduation of Cole Hayworth and the loss of two expected returners as they focus on different sports. Concordia will return two players with significant varsity experience in senior guards Will Schlegel and Noah Trent. Schlegel avearged six points, five rebounds and two assists per game last season and both played quality roles in the Cadet lineup.
That means coach Phil Brackmann is going to need to lean on a lot of new faces this season. On the interior, that will mean 6-4 junior Charlie Lang and 6-2 classmate Grant Allman will be expected to set the tone. On the perimeter, the senior duo will be joined by juniors Clayton Goodman and Isaiah Pelz. Sophomores Eli Trent and 6-4 Rashon Johnson will add depth.
“Now with only returning two players from last year’s Sectional championship team, we will have a lot of new faces that need to grow up and get tough quickly,” Brackmann said. “The foundation and expectation of playing hard and as a team is a must.”
HOMESTEAD
Wyatt Weaver, a 6’3” senior forward, returns as the team’s leading scorer with 9 points per game. Known for his versatility, Weaver is a reliable inside-out option, capable of operating in the post or on the perimeter. Joining him are senior guards Josh Rodgers and Michael Raudenbush, who averaged 7 and 8 points per game, respectively, providing valuable scoring and playmaking depth. Raudenbush, in particular, has established himself as a consistent shot creator from mid-range. Senior Owen Smith, who scored 6 points per game last season, also returns after recovering from an injury late last year. Smith showed strong form during the summer while playing for Homestead and in AAU tournaments.
Rounding out the senior group is Aidan Good, a 6’1” guard, who adds experience to the backcourt. The frontcourt sees the return of 6’4” sophomore Mack Welker, a standout freshman last year who contributed 5 points per game and continues to draw attention for his development. Sophomore guard Jake Coolman, a 6-footer, also looks to build on his 6-point-per-game average from last season. New to the team are the McNiece brothers, Brogan, a 6’4” junior forward moving up from JV, and Braylon, a 6’4” freshman forward from Woodside Middle School. Both bring size and potential to the roster, with Braylon already generating excitement for his raw talent and upside.
“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.
NORTHROP
Among the senior returners for the Bruins are guards Merseigne Mingashanga and Ahmad Salam, who anchor the backcourt with their defensive tenacity and offensive versatility. James Browning and Jaxon Hughes (7 ppg/3 rpg), both 6’4” forwards, provide size and scoring in the frontcourt, while fellow senior Donlaray Reese Jr. (7.8 ppg), a 6’0” guard, adds depth and consistency. This seasoned core is expected to set the tone with their poise and balanced play.
Adding to the team’s depth are several new varsity players with exciting potential. Marshawn Warfield, a 6’4” senior guard/forward, joins the team as a move-in and is expected to make an immediate impact. Juniors Anthony Harris, a 6’0” guard, and Miles Scott, a 6’4” guard/forward, step up from JV to bring energy and versatility to the rotation.
“Compete as hard as we can for 32 minutes each night,” coach Shane Merryman said of the Bruins’ outlook this season. “Play at a pace that allows us to wear teams down and make winning plays come the fourth quarter.”
NORTH SIDE
North Side will again have to turn to their youth to make an impact, starting in the backcourt with sophomores Max Goheen and Tyvon Alexander. 6-foot-3 senior Jamari Pearson will also compete in the backcourt giving North some good guard length. The only other varsity returner for the Legends will be 6-foot-6 junior forward Jordan Woods, who is in line for a big breakout season.
The speed and depth of this team will be something that the many new faces to the varsity lineup can bring. That starts with senior Sean Davenport, a move in, who is a quick wing. Connor Siratei joins the backcourt up from the junior varsity, as does junior transfer Sebastian Moore. Sophomore Omarion Bates is also up from the JV to play forward. Fresh off a great football season, Tristen Newsome will join the squad, as will DaVonce Harris-Moore.
“We are young but we have a very quick team. We will have to improve every day in order to compete against a tough schedule,” said coach Gary Andrews.
SOUTH SIDE
The Archers will return three of their top scorers from a seven win season where they played a lot of goo basketball. They registered back-to-back wins over Woodlan and Bishop Luers that really pushed momentum.
Demarcus Barr leads the returning group after averaging 13.2 points per game last season; he is expected to be among the conference’s best players as a senior. Jayvon Irby (9.8 ppg/4.7 rpg) is back for his sophomore season and 6-8 center Zachary Belcher is back to anchor the backline after averaging 7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
SNIDER
Led by senior guard Qualyn Clopton, who averaged 10 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season, Snider is once again a team to watch in the SAC. Sophomore guards Trell Hogue and Braylin Fertil add youthful energy to the backcourt, with Hogue contributing 9.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Fertil chipped in 3.8 points and 1.5 assists. In the frontcourt, sophomore Ketron “Tank” Paschall stands out as a key contributor, averaging 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, making him a formidable presence in the paint. Juniors Xavier Wilson and Layne Patterson round out the returning group.
The roster is bolstered by several newcomers who could make an impact with the depth and, in some cases, size they bring. Anthony Barnes, a 6’6” sophomore forward, brings that size and athleticism after moving up from JV, while senior guard Jamarcus Burton adds to the backcourt. Juniors Jordan Davis and Keaton Robinson, both 5’10” guards, and freshman Terrell Lapsley, another 5’10” guard, represents the depth of the future of the program with his promising skill set.
“We feel that we have a very connected group that trusts one another and is growing together every day. We think we are going to be a strong and physical group that will have a balanced attack,” said coach Josh Riikonen.
BOUNCE’S SAC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Wayne
2. Bishop Luers
3. Homestead
4. Snider
5. North Side
6. Carroll
7. South Side
8. Bishop Dwenger
9. Northrop
10. Concordia
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