KANSAS CITY, Mo. Spurgeon College enters the 2026-27 men's basketball season with five returning seniors and a recruiting class that brings together experienced transfers and incoming freshmen. Coming off one of the most historic campaigns in program history, the Knights will look to build on that foundation when the season opens Saturday, Oct. 31.
The largest senior class in Spurgeon basketball history provides leadership for a new group eager to grow on the court and in their faith. For head coach William Livezey, welcoming this class also means remembering the players who helped establish the program's foundation.
"The Lord has been so kind and I have nothing but gratitude for what He has done through this college basketball program the last four seasons," Livezey said. "We were wandering in the wilderness for a while and the founding fathers of this program have laid such a strong foundation for the future players that walk through that door. These men now are standing on the shoulders of giants that came before them. Men like Jude Warren, Cameron Weeks, Diego Sanchez, Raven Ortiz, DJ Middleton, Joseph Allen, Jack Chamberlin, Tyler Hicks, and many others in these last four seasons.
"So, as I look forward with this new team, I look back too. These men's basketball student athletes were faithful to the program. These men were tested in the wilderness, just as these future men and teams will be tested in prospering in the promise land. Adversity is a test just as much as prosperity is a test.
"Those former players are not walking through that door though. Most of this team I am coaching right now to begin the season, have no idea what it took to get to this point. They don't know the sacrifice, the toughness, or what it takes. I am excited to see if we can prosper in the promise land. I believe it will be a more difficult test than when we were in the wilderness. I am excited for that challenge though with this specific group of men.
"We are nowhere yet where we want to be as a team. I know this team will be playing much better basketball in February and March than we will be in November. We don't know what we don't know, right now. I think in late February we will be asking the right questions to ourselves, and we will be honoring and representing Spurgeon Basketball in a way we know well.
"I am humbled by the adversity and prosperity that we have experienced. The Lord is good. The Lord is faithful. I hope we will remember His faithfulness in the past, present, and future this season as we humble ourselves as a team in preparation this season. Excited to get to work with this young team! Excited to play like winners this season!"
The OGs and Young Bucks
Jack Chamberlin headlines the returning senior class. The fourth-year Knight brings experience from three national championship tournaments and returns as a captain. Fellow senior captain Tyler Hicks enters his final season with the program having compiled a 70-16 record during his time at Spurgeon.
Joshua Rogosich, Keenan Joseph, and Gabriel Hinojosa round out the senior class. Their experience will help guide a roster that blends returning contributors with newcomers preparing for their first season as Knights.
Fresh Faces to Watch
The Knights welcome six newcomers to the varsity roster. Meet the transfers and freshmen joining Spurgeon for the 2026-27 season.
A 6-foot junior guard from Pensacola, Florida, Roper arrives from North Arkansas College with experience in a winning junior college program. His recruiting announcement highlights a 40 percent mark from 3-point range, Dean's List recognition, a regional championship, and two seasons with at least 20 wins.
"I believe that God has me through anything and Spurgeon is the place to be to become a better man in Christ!" Roper said.
Ty'Shawn Roper
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Simoneau, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard from Rose Hill, Kansas, joins the Knights from Colby Community College. As a senior at Rose Hill High School, he averaged 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, and 2.4 steals per game and earned AVCTL IV Player of the Year honors.
"I am excited for my journey as a Spurgeon Knight and look forward to growing in my relationship in Christ!" Simoneau said.
Kellan Simoneau
Childers is a 6-foot-3 freshman guard from Belton, Texas, and Belton High School. A 1,000-point scorer and team MVP, he earned first-team All-District and second-team All-CENTEX recognition. His academic achievements include Academic All-District honors, National Honor Society membership, AP Scholar recognition, and graduating cum laude.
"I am excited to play basketball at Spurgeon College, to glorify God, and be a part of a winning culture!" Childers said.
Noah Childers
A 6-foot-5 freshman guard from Westville, Oklahoma, Meridith comes to Spurgeon from Westville High School. He averaged 12.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game as a senior. A team captain and Presidential Honor Roll student, he helped his team win the Warner tournament and a district championship.
"I'm excited to grow in my faith, my character, and my game alongside people who push me to be better every day!" Meridith said.
Lawson Meridith
Smith, a 6-foot-2 freshman guard from Mont Belvieu, Texas, joins the Knights from Barbers Hill High School. The former team captain earned Defensive Player of the Year, second-team All-District, SETCA All-Star, and Academic All-State recognition.
"I am excited to become a Spurgeon Knight and reach my full potential as a basketball player, while glorifying God and becoming a better man!" Smith said.
Gavin Smith
Johnson is a 6-foot-5 freshman wing from Van Buren, Arkansas, and Van Buren High School. He averaged 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game as a senior and earned All-State honors, two All-Conference selections, and the River Valley Player of the Year award. He also set his high school's records for rebounds and double-doubles while earning academic honors.
"I chose Spurgeon because of the faith-based culture and the great environment of the team and the winning culture that Coach Livezey has built. I am pumped to get to work and excited for what's ahead this season!" Johnson said.
Gabe Johnson
Fresh Faces for the Future
Spurgeon also welcomes the following newcomers to the reserve team for the 2026-27 season.
Summers is a 6-foot freshman from Lawrence, Kansas, who was homeschooled.
James Summers
Hackerott is a 6-foot-2 freshman from Manhattan, Kansas, and Flint Hills Christian.
Uriah Hackerott
Iammarino is a 5-foot-11 freshman from North Ridgeville, Ohio, and Christian Community School.
Jude Iammarino
Johnson is a 6-foot-2 freshman from Fort Worth, Texas, who was homeschooled.
Israel Johnson
Pratt is a sophomore transfer wing from Conifer, Colorado, and Conifer High School. He earned President's Honor Roll recognition at Hartnell College and All-Conference honors in high school, where he averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game as a senior.
Isaac Pratt
Allen is a 6-foot-4 sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida, and Florida State University Schools.
Marquez Allen
Debord is a 5-foot-10 freshman from Lone Oak, Texas, and Lone Oak High School.
Eli Debord
Rexillius is a 5-foot-10 freshman from Central City, Nebraska, and Nebraska Christian High School.
Jackson Rexillius
Blanche is a 6-foot-3 freshman from Climax Springs, Missouri, and Climax Springs High School.
Cody Blanche
Seymour is a 5-foot-10 sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia, and Westlake High School.
Mahkai Seymour
A New Season Ahead
The Knights open the season on the road against Faith Baptist Bible College on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. in Ankeny, Iowa. Spurgeon's first home game follows Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. against Ecclesia College in the Mathena Student Center. Come support the Knights as this new group begins its season together.
