Huskies show signs of progress heading into second half

The 2025 portion of Harrison Central’s boys basketball season is in the books, and as the Huskies approach the midway point, there is reason for optimism for coach Nick Yourkovich and his squad.

Harrison Central is 3-6 through nine of its 22 scheduled games, with wins over Indian Creek Dec. 19, Buckeye Local Dec. 23 and Steubenville Catholic Central Dec. 30. The Huskies will see all three teams again in January in the second half of their home-and-home matchups, setting up favorable opportunities in the coming weeks.

“We are close to the halfway point in the season, and I’m still excited about the progress of this team,” Yourkovich said. “We have been competitive in almost every game, being within one possession or holding a lead in the fourth quarter of four of the six losses. We are still a work in progress, but I believe we’re trending upward.”

Yourkovich isn’t wrong. The Huskies have been competitive in every game except one, as Beaver Local (8-2) remains the only opponent to pull away decisively. That loss came in mid-December, but Harrison Central has shown more stability in recent weeks, including a strong showing over the holiday break.

Harrison Central traveled to Toronto between Christmas and New Year’s to compete in the Todd Kalivoda Holiday Showcase. The Huskies and Frontier battled to a 39-39 tie through regulation before the Cougars edged Harrison Central 6-4 in overtime for a 45-43 win.

Senior Bryson Kamarec led all scorers with 26 points in the loss and earned the game’s MVP honors.

The Huskies have become familiar with heartbreak at the Kalivoda Showcase. In last year’s event, Harrison Central was stunned at the buzzer by Marlington. This season’s overtime loss dropped the Huskies to 1-2 all-time in one of the Ohio Valley’s premier holiday basketball events.

Instead of collapsing after the setback, Harrison Central responded three days later, holding off a late rally to defeat Steubenville Catholic Central on the road. The win gave the Huskies three victories in their last four games.

As the Huskies look toward the second half of the season, Kamarec has emerged as one of the top scorers in OVAC Class 4A, averaging 17.5 points per game. He has also made 23 3-pointers entering the week of Jan. 5 and is competing for one of the top long-range marks in the conference class.

Classmate Brady Hyre has begun to find his rhythm offensively, averaging 10 points per game over the last four contests — a development the Huskies need as they look for consistent scoring support alongside Kamarec.

Senior Cooper Thompson has become another perimeter option, while Chaz Culbertson and Jacob Quito have carved out roles with scrappy defense. Austin Dulkoski has grown more comfortable scoring in the paint, adding size to an otherwise guard-heavy lineup.

The Huskies are also developing younger contributors, including Lance Smith, Colson Crothers and Kingston Smith, giving Harrison Central more versatility as the season continues.

“The second half will pose some challenges with the second round of league games, as well as the likes of St. Clairsville, Malvern and Martins Ferry on the horizon,” Yourkovich said. “These games will certainly prepare us for tournament play. It’s never fun losing, and no one here is OK with that, but the guys keep showing up and busting their butts, which is all I can ask.”

Harrison Central is scheduled for two trips to Columbiana County this week, traveling to East Liverpool on Tuesday and Friday.