Before we get to the 2026 Outside the Huddle All-Area Team and our end-of-year awards, Bounce wanted to take some time and take a last glance at area conferences and hand out some league-specific metaphorical hardware.
Today, we take on the SAC.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Mack Welker, Homestead
Welker emerged as one of the premier juniors in Indiana during the 2025–2026 season, putting together a dominant all-around campaign for Homestead and earning Indiana Junior All-Star honors. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 20.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, production backed up what we saw throughout the winter, as Welker consistently delivered double-doubles and served as the focal point of Homestead’s offense while continuing to expand his perimeter skill set.
Welker’s season elevated his profile across the state and beyond. He was named an Indiana Junior All-Star following the season, a recognition that reflects both his statistical dominance and his influence on a successful Spartans team. His blend of size, versatility and production made him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2027 class, with a growing list of college interest and offers.
HONORABLE MENTION: Terrance Jordan (South Side), Jayvon Irby (South Side), Xavier Wilson (Snider), Tyree Eldridge (Wayne), Sebastian Moore (North Side), Carmani Davis (Bishop Luers), Ayle Taylor (Bishop Luers), George Poiry (Bishop Dwenger)
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Carmani Davis, Bishop Luers
If you know Bounce’s awards and OTH history, you know MVP means something different than Player of the Year. MVP to us is someone who is legit the most valuable to their team and overall success of that program.
Carmani Davis put together a strong senior campaign, serving as a steady and reliable presence in the Knights’ backcourt where he could even be highlighted as a breakout player. The senior guard averaged 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent scoring options while continuing to handle playmaking duties from the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute offensively on a nightly basis helped power a Bishop Luers squad that advanced deep into the postseason, highlighted by a regional championship run and semi-state appearance.
Davis’ impact was recognized across the conference, as he earned First Team All-SAC honors following the season—an acknowledgment of both his production and leadership on a competitive roster. The leadership is a key note here as Davis spent time with really dominant Luers teams in the past, so his experience was critical to help lead a team with several young key contributors.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jayvon Irby (South Side), Xavier Wilson (Snider), Ketron Paschall (Snider), Trell Hogue (Snider), Brody Fisher (Carroll), Lashawn Green (Wayne), George Poiry (Bishop Dwenger)
BREAKOUT/MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Terrance Jordan, South Side
Emerging as one of the top all-around guards in the SAC, Jordan was a key cog in pushing South Side to the top of the conference before an injury shortened his season. The junior point guard averaged 13.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game, leading the Archers in scoring while also setting the tone defensively with his disruptive presence on the perimeter. His 3.2 steals per game ranked among the best in Class 4A. Jordan’s ability to handle the ball, create offense for teammates and impact the game on both ends made him one of the most important pieces for South Side throughout the season and a guy that everyone had to know where he was at all times all season.
HONORABLE MENTION: Josh Sandoval (South Side), Braylin Fertil (Snider), Jack Van Order (Carroll), Mason Weaver (Homestead), Everen Akison (Wayne), TJ English (Bishop Luers), Zen Szaferski (Bishop Luers), Omarion Waites (North Side), Anthony Barnes (Northrop)
COACH OF THE YEAR: JJ Foster, South Side
South Side High School put together one of the most impressive seasons, establishing itself as a consistent contender beyond just the SAC. The Archers opened the year on a historic run, starting 12-0—one of the program’s best starts in decades—and carried that momentum through a tough schedule. South Side’s balanced attack and defensive intensity helped them secure the SAC championship outright, marking the program’s first solo conference title since 1997 and signaling a major step forward for the program.
By season’s end, South Side had compiled a strong overall record (18-5) and remained among the top-ranked teams in the Fort Wayne area, blending experienced guard play with emerging young talent to sustain success throughout the winter under Foster, who is now among the most tenured-at-their-school coaches in the SAC and area.
HONORABLE MENTION: Josh Riikonen (Snider), Chris Benedict (Carroll), Chris Johnson (Homestead), Shabaz Khaliq (North Side)
EARLY 2026-27 CONFERENCE CHAMP PICK: Homestead Spartans
Despite falling short of the SAC crown, Homestead’s postseason success and their returning core leads to the thought that the Spartans are going to make a big push next season back to the top of a very competitive conference.
The SAC is one of the hardest conferences to pick because there is so much returning talent, a decent amount of incoming talent and that always heavy transfer potential. But right now, for my sake, we have to focus on what returns.
The Spartans return Indiana Junior All-Star and future D1 player Mack Welker. No other school in the area, let alone SAC, has someone with those accolades next to their name so immediately the Spartans get a shot up the potential standings. Ryder Imel had a terrific breakout season and is a strong shooter has the ability to take over games. Jake Coolman is back as another balanced wing who can shoot it and get to the rim well. Mason Weaver returns after a solid freshman campaign and we all know how rare Homestead freshman varsity seasons are. Back too is big man Braylon McNiece, as is Sky Dollens.
With the heavy portion of their strong roster back, led by Welker, and with Chris Johnson on the sideline, this is going to be a really strong group.
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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