Harrison Central players earn all-district basketball honors

Harrison Central’s Bryson Kamarec, Brady Hyre, Lance Smith and Cooper Thompson have achieved a place on the 2025-26 All-East District IV basketball roster.

These four athletes have paved their way to the honor with athleticism, desire and commitment to the game, as well as to the school. No matter the level of the honor for these individuals, it takes a consistent combination of heart, skill and game awareness to achieve the awards. All four of these Huskies have excelled in demonstrating how the game is played and won.

Those accolades were just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to those mentions, in the Buckeye 8 All-League selections, Bryson Kamarec, a senior, was assigned to the first team roster. In the AP All-East District, Kamarec also was chosen first team. Brady Hyre, a senior, was selected third team in the AP All-East District. Smith, a sophomore, earned honorable mention in the AP All-East District.

Kamarec found himself at the top of the Division V selections with a first-team honor. He joins nine additional players within the Division V ranks. Kamarec was deadly from around the perimeter and used bonus field goals to average 18.0 points a game during the season. He also used a little sophisticated misdirection to muscle in close to register 2-point goals.

“I am very grateful to be recognized in this way,” said Kamarec. “I could not have been in this great company of players had it not been for my teammates. I also want to thank our coaches that helped us along the way. They too have provided this opportunity.”

Hyre collected a spot on the third-team roster. He was in the company of only four other gifted players. Hyre came on strong in the second half of the season and became a strong, fearless offensive and defensive rebounder. While shifting into third gear during the second half of the season, he consistently made his presence known on the court. Collecting caroms on offense helped him manage an average of 8 points per outing.

“It took a lot of determination for all of us to receive these honors,” Hyre said. “We have put a lot of determination into the game, and we really appreciate our teammates. There is no doubt that our coaches played an enormous part in us being so successful.”

Smith earned a special mention position on the District V roster. His ballhandling skills and assists over the season proved that he was capable of doing it all. He could play guard while bringing the ball up court, stall an opponent’s dribble and pickpocket for a steal with ease. His speed up the court lent to his notable assignment in the district. Moving forward, he will be a force to reckon with.

“I am very appreciative of this opportunity,” said Smith. “Hard work played a big role in being honored. I want to thank our coaches for leading me to this honor, and my teammates for all the ways they support all of us.”

Thompson has constantly shown what hard work could produce. His work ethic made him a player built for the game. His play style in the game presented him with growing minutes on the court. With his ever-growing experience, he earned a spot on the district’s honorable mention roster.

“We have put in a lot of hard work to be recognized this way,” said Thompson. “I am so appreciative of the guys I played with for supporting everyone’s role on the team. As far as our coaches, I cannot express just how much I am thankful for their guidance and patience with us.”

Harrison Central Head Boys Basketball Coach Nick Yourkovich praised the foursome for their performance over the season and confirmed that their selection to the all-district roster was not just a chance occurrence. “All four of these guys, along with a few others, are very deserving of this recognition,” Yourkovich said.

“Bryson has been our catalyst all season and has put in countless hours to hone his craft. Being the main focus of all scouting reports, he has still produced at a high level. He’s been a great leader for us and I’m glad he is getting noticed.”

“Brady Hyre has been a key cog in our late-season success, as his consistency has really started to show. He has become a force for us underneath the basket, and that has really put a spark in our offensive system.”

“Lance Smith has shown some flashes of his potential throughout the year and has really been a bright spot for us. Being a starting point guard at the high school level is tough, especially if it is your first taste of varsity action. But Lance has handled that pressure well and done a great job for us this year,” said Yourkovich.

“Cooper Thompson has put in a lot of work since May to become a better shooter and a better basketball player. I am extremely proud of that hard work and what he has meant to our team. He was a leader by example with his work ethic and a great guy to have in the locker room.”

All players receiving the all-district honors were voted on by the media members of the district following nominations by the coaches.