TN Heat Boys Basketball Crowned 2026 National Champs!
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The journey that began with a vision for excellence in homeschool athletics has reached the ultimate summit. After a historic run at the NCHBC National Tournament, the Tennessee Heat Varsity Boys have captured the 2026 National Championship, cementing their place as the premier homeschool program in the country.
During a physical tournament run that tested every facet of their game, the Heat won five games in five days in Springfield, MO to complete their mission. Behind elite defense and timely, clutch shooting, Tennessee took down the tournament's top contenders, culminating in a celebration years in the making.
This national title was won long before the team arrived in Springfield. Coach Joe Bond and the coaching staff executed a deliberate strategy, building a non-conference schedule against some of the state’s premier programs. By intentionally seeking out matchups against the absolute highest level of competition in the state, the Heat ensured they were battle-hardened for tournament play.
Facing an unprecedented lineup of TSSAA heavyweights and defending State Champions, the Heat sought out TSSAA competition that included Upperman, Brentwood, Hillsboro, McCallie, Pope John Paul II Prep (DII-AAA), Brentwood Academy, Tullahoma, Knoxville Webb, and the Class A State Champion Jackson County.
Eleven (11) of the opponents on the Heat's regular-season schedule were elite enough to qualify for the TSSAA State Tournament in either 2025 or 2026. This "iron-sharpens-iron" philosophy ensured that by the time the NCHBC tournament arrived, the Heat weren't just the most talented team on the floor—they were the most battle-hardened.
In addition to the NCHBC National Championship the 2026 Heat Boys won the Tip-Off St Louis Tournament, the Mt Juliet Thanksgiving Tournament, and the Music City Hoopfest.
An Elite Homeschool Program
Since 2021, the Heat have compiled a 63-15 record against homeschool competition and a 135-73 record overall. Highlighted by the following National Christian Homeschool Basketball National Tournament runs:
2022: Elite 8
2023: Sweet 16
2024: Elite 8
2025: National Runner-Up
2026: NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
"The accomplishments on the court are just a reflection of the culture of this program. We have the most amazing student-athletes and families. Our Tennessee Heat community is truly unique. The world needs more men like the guys in our program. Champions on and off the court." — Coach Joe Bond
National Player of the Year: Thatcher Bond
Many great players have represented the Tennessee Heat, but Thatcher Bond has earned a distinction unlike any before him. He is the first player in our program’s history to be recognized as the National Player of the Year, an award that carries the weight of being voted on by all 32 Division 1 programs at the NCHBC national tournament. Thatcher has been a fixture for the Heat for years, racking up four All-Region nods and three All-American honors. This historic chapter serves as the perfect springboard as he prepares to continue his athletic and academic career at Sewanee: The University of the South.
Six Heat Seniors Set for Collegiate Ranks
Six of our eight graduating seniors are set to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.
NCAA Division 1
Sam Goth will be attending Lipscomb University and playing basketball under the leadership of Coach Kevin Caroll as a preferred walk-on. Sam will be the first Heat basketball player to play at the Division 1 level.
NCAA Division 3
Thatcher Bond will be attending Sewanee: The University of the South and playing basketball under the leadership of Coach Will Merrell.
Carson Dismang will be attending Sewanee: The University of the South and playing basketball under the leadership of Coach Will Merrell.
Davis Joyner will be attending Millsaps College and playing basketball under the leadership of Coach Connor Kuykendall
Undecided
Jacob Banker has multiple offers from NCAA Division 2 and Division 3 institutions and will be making his decision in the coming weeks.
Wyatt Story currently holds offers from NCAA Division 2 and Division 3 institutions and will be making his decision in the coming weeks.
The entire Tennessee Heat organization wishes to thank the families, fans, and coaches who poured their heart and soul into this historic season.
Building the Future: 2026-2027 Season Tryouts
The Tennessee Heat has a solid group of returning players and are looking for a few additional homeschooled student-athletes to join our championship culture. We invite all prospective players to join us at Lebanon First Baptist Church for our upcoming tryout dates:
- Friday, April 17th: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Tuesday, April 21st: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Come prepared to work, compete, and see what it means to be part of the most elite homeschool program in the country.