The upcoming season presents a new chapter for a team anchored by two standout juniors — Mack Welker and Jake Coolman — who return as the core of a group blending established talent with youthful energy. Both have proven they can carry the load on both ends of the floor, and now the challenge will be helping a largely inexperienced supporting cast rise to varsity speed.
Welker is coming off a breakout season that saw him average 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, emerging as one of the most versatile forwards in the area. His ability to score inside and stretch the defense has made him a matchup nightmare, and he’s expected to be the focal point of the offense once again. His physical presence and rebounding ability also give the team a strong interior anchor. Add to that his stellar summer with Indy Heat and he has quickly vaulted to being the star of Northeast Indiana.
In the backcourt, Coolman returns after posting 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, providing steady scoring and reliable perimeter defense. As the team’s primary guard, his combination of shooting, court vision, and composure under pressure makes him a key piece in orchestrating the offense in his third year helping to run the Spartan offense. Together, Coolman and Welker give the team a potent inside-outside duo capable of dictating tempo and pace against any opponent.
Brogan McNiece, a senior, brings toughness and experience that will be crucial for guiding the younger players. His steady presence in practices and games sets the tone for the rest of the roster. Sophomore Braylon McNiece and junior Sky Dollens are also expected to see expanded roles, providing depth, energy, and versatility in both the frontcourt and backcourt.
The next wave of contributors includes promising underclassmen. Ryder Imel, a sophomore, is an emerging playmaker who could become an important secondary ball-handler and shooter, while freshman Mason Weaver arrives with the upside that could make him an impact player sooner than expected. Their development over the course of the season could be the difference between a good team and a great one.
Replacing last year’s graduates — Wyatt Weaver, Michael Raudenbush, Owen Smith, Josh Rodgers, and Aidan Good — won’t be easy. That group provided much of the previous team’s experience and leadership, leaving this year’s lineup with a mix of talent but not much varsity mileage beyond Welker and Coolman. How quickly the supporting cast adjusts to the speed and intensity of varsity competition will define the early part of the season.
Still, there’s plenty to like about the team’s overall makeup. They boast a true scoring big man and a dynamic point guard, both surrounded by guys who can stretch defenses and open driving lanes. That kind of balance gives the offense multiple dimensions and allows for creative sets on both the perimeter and in the paint.
Ultimately, the season’s success will hinge on translating potential into production. With Welker and Coolman leading the charge and a hungry group of underclassmen ready to make their mark, this team has all the ingredients to be one of the region’s most exciting and unpredictable stories — a blend of promise, energy, and opportunity poised to surprise anyone who overlooks them.
“Looking forward to the season and competing for an SAC championship,” said coach Chris Johnson.
WHY #1?
They have arguably the best player in the area in Welker and a saavy and sometimes underrated guard in Coolman, as we have mentioned. The Spartans know how to make things tick and the reality remains there is really no such thing as a down year for this program.
The development of younger players like Imel and Braylon McNiece, along with some other young pieces that may crack the lineup, is going to be key. Homestead rarely leans on underclassmen but there are some nice players in the fold that could earn significant moments.
And with Chris Johnson, the longest tenured coach in Northeast Indiana, on the sidelines the expectations grow.
KEY GAME
December 13 vs South Bend Riley, Champions Classic
The younger Spartans will have a big litmus test against Riley in this event. The team will have three games under their belt before this one happens, including a conference matchup so we’ve gotten through the shake the cobwebs off portion.
Homestead has been known for big players, big plays and big moments and this one could seal all three together. With a stout Riley defense likely keying on Welker well from the get go, a game like this could test Homestead’s depth as well as any other in the early going on the season.
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