Harrison boys enjoyed season of growth

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

The 2025-26 season was quite the memorable one for the Harrison boys’ basketball team. They went 11-13 overall and 8-8 in the Jack Pine Conference. On top of that they were able to defeat Meridian for the first time in many years, they won their first post-season game since 2012 and they had Matthew Latunski reach 1000 career points.

I feel we were able to play some really good basketball at times,” sixth year head coach Brad Carlstrom said. “When we played together as a team, played connected defensively, shared the ball, and remained aggressive offensively we were extremely tough to handle. When we allowed other teams to dictate the tempo of the game, that's when we struggled. Overall, we are better than our record was. But we were young and still figuring out how to win. Just being with the team every day is a blessing. They are a great group of young men and our coaching staff doesn't take the time we have with them for granted. They work hard but we have fun at the same time.”

The Hornets graduate just three seniors from the team, Gavin VanBuren, Andrew Teebo and Peyton Gallo.

“I appreciate all their efforts throughout their individual times here at Harrison,” Carlstrom said of the trio. “They each leave a personal mark on the program which has helped propel us forward.”

While the Hornets were able to give heavily favored Beal City quite the battle in the two’s Division 3 district semi-final game, they unfortunately came up on the short end, and their season concluded with a 51-46 loss.

“None of us wanted the season to end,” Carlstrom said. “We worked extremely hard all year and wanted to go make a deeper run in the tournament, but it wasn't meant to be. Gavin VanBuren, Matthew Latunski, Kelton Carlstrom and Jayden Bobzien were our all-conference players this year. They lead the team in many statistical categories as well areas that don't show up on the stat sheets. Always showing up to practice, leading by example, logging extra time after practice or anything else the team needed for success. I am sad the season is over but excited for what next season will bring. We are more motivated than ever.”

That being said, the Hornets expect to return a whole bunch of talent next winter. So, as good as this year was, if things come together, they believe they can, next season could be even better.

“We will put in the work early and often so we know when we are successful next season we have earned everything that we accomplish,” Carlstrom said. “The sky is the limit. I have never coached a game with the intention of losing. And I don't intend to start.”