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Wawasee boys basketball coach Joe Luce is no longer holding his post, effective immediately, the school announced in a press release Tuesday morning.
No reason was given for the midseason coaching change. Replacing Luce is Nate O’Connell, who served as an assistant on Luce’s bench this season and has been on the coaching staff since 2008. He was a member of the last boys basketball coaching staff to win a sectional title at Wawasee in 2010.
Luce, who boasts a 404-172 record through 24 years of coaching, had helped to revitalize the Warrior program this season. At the time of his departure, Wawasee currently sits at 12-6, the team’s most wins in a season since 2020. The Warriors are also in striking distance of the Northern Lakes Conference title.
A big part of the team’s success this season has been Luce’s adopted son Stephen Akase. Akase has established himself as one of the best players in the county this season, averaging over 20 points a night on 66% shooting. It is unclear whether or not Akase will remain with the team in Luce’s absence.
The coach’s departure comes with just six games remaining in the regular season for the Warriors. Coach O’Connell’s first game at the helm of the program will be a tough one, as Wawasee will travel to Jayco Arena on Thursday night to take on 4A No. 8 Northridge in a massive conference battle.
It is unclear what Luce will do next, as his seventh coaching stop was his shortest. Luce has one six sectional, three regional and one semistate title across 24 years of coaching.
Wawasee said this in a press release about the hiring of O’Connell:
“Coach O’Connell began his coaching career with Wawasee in 2008 and has been a part of the Warrior basketball program for many years. He was a member of the last boys basketball coaching staff at Wawasee to win a sectional championship. Throughout his time at Wawasee, Coach O’Connell has demonstrated a deep understanding of the game of basketball, a strong commitment to player development, and a genuine care for the young men he coaches.
“Wawasee High School is looking forward to the continued growth and success of the basketball program.”
The Times-Union is attempting to reach out to Luce for further comment.
