THE FAVORITE
Homestead Spartans
With standout juniors Mack Welker and Jake Coolman leading the way, this year’s team enters the season with a promising mix of proven production and emerging talent. Welker, a 16.4-point, 7.7-rebound per game forward, gives the lineup a dominant interior and midrange presence, while Coolman, who averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, provides leadership and stability in the backcourt. Surrounding them are key returners Brogan McNiece, Braylon McNiece, and Sky Dollens, each expected to play larger roles in providing depth and defensive balance. Newcomers Ryder Imel and Mason Weaver bring athleticism and potential, with the chance to impact the rotation early. The biggest key will be developing varsity experience and consistency beyond the two returning stars, but if that happens, this group has the tools, chemistry, and offensive versatility to surprise opponents and contend deep into the postseason.
“Looking forward to the season and competing for an SAC championship,” said coach Chris Johnson.
THE CONTENDER
Bishop Luers Knights
With key returners Carmani Davis (7 ppg, 42% 3FG) and Ayle Taylor (8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg) leading the way, this team brings back a strong mix of experience and new talent poised to contend in the SAC. Seniors Keyon Crowe and Chuck McBride, along with sophomores Zen Szaferski and Jayden Moore, provide depth and versatility, while newcomers Jonas Muya (6’9” C) and TJ English (6’3” G) add major size and athleticism. Replacing the scoring and leadership of the Truesdale brothers and Danny Kelly will be key, but with balance, physicality, and multiple scoring options, this group has the tools to defend its sectional title and make a deep run toward Indianapolis.
“These Knights are going to be a really fun group to watch on a nightly basis. We will play unselfish, fast and defend at a high level,” said coach Seth Coffing.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Bishop Dwenger Saints
Bishop Dwenger enters the season looking to build on the growth and experience gained a year ago, bringing back a core. They will return four starters, including senior KC Pieper (3.3 ppg) and juniors George Poiry (10.7 ppg, 1.5 apg), Tommy Coffman (2.7 ppg) and Zach Lehrman (3.9 ppg). Senior Lewis Morris and junior Lucas Dykhuizen both return, while varsity newcomers Tommy Dykhuizen, Cooper Campbell and Nick Bunt also figure to play key roles as the Saints aim to balance experience and athleticism across positions. The team will miss the leadership and production of graduates Adam Glow and Ryan Plonske but expects this year’s depth and physicality to set the tone. Bishop Dwenger looks to limit turnovers, rebound more consistently, and continue improving throughout the year.
“We had a very busy offseason focused on development and growth both on/off the court. The Saints will look to build off these experiences heading into the upcoming season,” said coach Brandon O’Leary. “We return a team full of guys that logged a ton of minutes last season. This will play a direct role in the team’s success this year.”
Carroll Chargers
Carroll enters the new season with confidence and momentum after capturing a sectional championship in coach Chris Benedict’s first year at the helm, returning a solid nucleus of experienced contributors ready to take the next step. Leading the charge are seniors Brody Fisher (7.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Miles Hering (4.9 ppg, 3.6 apg), who anchor the lineup with size, versatility, and leadership. Fisher’s inside presence and rebounding will be key in replacing the production of graduated standout Paxton Crane (17.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg), while Hering’s balanced perimeter game provides stability on both ends. Seniors Dom Keferl, Monzer Omar, and Cole Lambert are poised for expanded roles, bringing energy and physicality to the rotation. The backcourt remains in strong hands with returning guards Jack Van Order (6.8 ppg) and Carter Middleton (3.8 ppg), both of whom emerged late last season as playmakers and defensive anchors. Newcomers Lincoln Powell, Sullivan Hill, Tony Rongos, and DaRon Truesdale add valuable depth and athleticism, while Finn Murphy, a 6’7” sophomore center, brings much-needed size to the paint.
Concordia Lutheran Cadets
Concordia will move into the new season needing to replace their All-SAC breakout player lost to graduation Will Schlegel, but will move to do so with plenty of experience. Senior Charlie Lang (5 ppg, 2.3 rpg) will help lead the returning group that includes fellow seniors Grant Allman and Clayton Goodman. Also back with key experience for the Cadets are returning starters Eli Trent (3.5 ppg) and Evan Armstead (6.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg); Armstead stands as the Cadets’ highest scoring returner. They will be joined in the large returning group by juniors Rashon Johnson (4.6 ppg) and Caleb Masasu. The Cadets too will expect to see contributions from junior transfer Ethan Slone, junior Ike Eggold, sophomores Luke Hayworth and Lindani Baker and freshman Charlie Bailey. While the Cadets lost a majority of their scoring from a season ago, this group earned a lot of valuable experience last season as younger players.
“I am excited about this season. We have great kids that are coachable, play hard and are servant minded. They are a joy to be with and compete night in and night out,” said coach Phil Brackmann. “Being the ‘smaller sized’ school against most teams we play, I can’t wait to watch us battle and compete for one another.”
Northrop Bruins
With senior guard Donlaray Reese Jr. leading the way after averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 35% from beyond the arc, this team enters the season with confidence and experience in the backcourt. Juniors Zeke Harris and Jaxson Robinson return to provide additional guard depth and consistency, while a talented group of newcomers—seniors Kamron Ford and Kevieun Greer, along with juniors TyVon Alexander and Anthony Barnes and sophomores Zach Derrow and Ali Kliko—add energy and versatility. Despite the graduation of many key contributors, the team’s identity will center on speed, toughness, and perimeter shot-making. Continued improvement on the glass and in mental toughness will be critical areas of focus.
“I am very excited for this group. What we lack in returning experience, we make up for in hunger to get better. This group will have a wonderful opportunity to build upon last year’s success,” said coach Shane Merryman.
North Side Legends
North Side will build this season around a trio of returning starters — senior guard Sebastian Moore, junior guard Max Goheen, and senior forward Omarion Waites. Moore paced the team last year with 16.4 points per game and on-ball impact; he shot a solid 47 percent from the field. Goheen added 10.7 points per game while dishing 2.7 assists and swiping nearly two steals per contest. Waites anchored the glass, grabbing 5.4 rebounds per game as the team’s second-leading rebounder. In addition to that core, the Legends return a deep supporting cast of Kamry Charlton and Andrew Upton. Football standout Maalik Moore, as well as newcomers and key contributors like junior guard Brajon Johnson, Sutton Yorko, Vincent Murphy and Mike Stephens could add to North Side’s depth. With athleticism, length, and the ability to pressure the ball as clear team strengths, the biggest room for growth will be adapting to a new system, managing expectations, and harnessing the energy of a younger, deeper roster.
“Pride, Excellence, Tradition…nothing has changed,” stated coach Shabaz Khaliq, who returns after previously spending 8 seasons and a trip to the state finals with North Side before leaving the program in 2018.
Snider Panthers
Snider enters the season with experience, size, and balance across the board, led by senior standout Xavier Wilson (14.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and junior guard Trell Hogue (11.6 ppg). Inside, Ketron Paschall (8.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Braylin Fertil (7.3 ppg) add scoring and rebounding punch, while veterans like Layne Patterson, Jordan Davis, and Schimar Reddic bolster depth. The addition of Jordan Woods, a 6’6” transfer from North Side who averaged 12.2 points and 7 rebounds, along with Chance DeRossett (Huntington North transfer), gives the Panthers even more versatility and athleticism. With a core that’s grown together and new talent adding firepower, Snider aims to rely on its defense, trust, and chemistry to compete for the top of the SAC while protecting home court and continuing to improve daily.
“We are excited to see you all at Kilmer Court. This is a group the Snider faithful and city of Fort
Wayne are going to be proud to represent them and is going to be a special group to watch play,” said coach Josh Riikonen.
South Side Archers
With a talented core returning, the Archers will once again lean on their dynamic backcourt, led by juniors Jayvon Irby (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.6 apg) and Terrance Jordan (6.9 ppg, 4.2 apg), who bring scoring, playmaking, and defensive energy to the lineup. Fellow juniors Corte Wallace, KJ Alexander, and Josh Sandoval add valuable experience and continuity, while newcomers Elijah Norman, a promising freshman guard, and sophomore forward Braelyn Terry are expected to make early impacts. The program does lose key contributors in Demarcus Barr and Avieree White, but a strong identity built on quickness, ball handling, unselfish play, and relentless effort remains. Lack of size and the need for consistent shooting and team defense stand as growth areas.
“This group of young men plays well together, they are an unselfish group, that plays hard and everyone can handle the basketball. They trust in each other and rely on one another to fulfill their person responsibility,” said coach JJ Foster.
Wayne Generals
With senior point guard Lashawn Green (5.7 ppg, 3 apg) leading the way, this young and athletic team will look to grow quickly and compete at a high level. Key returners include guards Tyree Eldridge (6 ppg, 6 rpg) and forwards Javontae Eldridge and Orayne Bragg, who bring energy and versatility on both ends of the floor. Newcomers Jazz Booker and 6-foot-7 Uriah Williams are expected to make an impact as the group looks to fill the void left by several standout graduates—most notably Chase Barnes and HJ Dillard, both 1,000-point scorers and multi-time All-Conference players. Despite their youth and inexperience, the team’s goal remains clear: to develop throughout the season and contend for both conference and sectional championships yet again.
“We lost a ton of experience and talent, but we return a ton of youthful energy and guys that are hungry to improve,” said coach Anthony Brewer.
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Homestead
2. Bishop Luers
3. Snider
4. Carroll
5. Wayne
6. North Side
7. Northrop
8. South Side
9. Bishop Dwenger
10. Concordia
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