CHARLESTON – It’s special to experience success in sports with teammates, often described as “brothers” for how close they are, both inside and outside the game.
But when a teammate is your real sibling, someone you grew up with by your side for most of your life, the feeling is incomparable.
That’s what it’s been like for Jack and Luke Byrer, brothers and players for the UHS boys basketball team, who will make an appearance in the 2026 boys state basketball tournament for the second consecutive season on Thursday.
They are both also key members of the UHS football team, which made an unforgettable run into the state semifinals as the 7-seed this past fall. However, Luke missed most of the season on the gridiron for UHS with an injury.
After missing out on taking the field together during this past football season, Jack, a senior, and Luke, a junior, are cherishing the opportunity to experience the state basketball tournament this week, which will be their last time as teammates in any sport.
“The opportunity means a lot, and it’s special to us,” Jack said. “Especially since we weren’t able to play together in football. It’s always exciting to play at the state tournament, and having my true best friend there makes it even more meaningful.”
Obviously, Luke’s injury during football was tough for him, but Jack recalls watching his brother recover as a bittersweet experience.
“When I was out in the fall, Jack gave me a lot of advice to stay mentally strong because he had been there before,” Luke said. “Once I was able to start practicing again, he was there every day to push me and help me get back to 100%.”
Luke leads the Hawks in scoring this season with 14.7 points per game, one of four players averaging double figures.
“Luke has grown as a slasher and a shooter,” Jack said. “He’s also developed a high basketball IQ and grown into a strong leader, which has been key for our team.”
Jack doesn’t provide the same scoring threat as his brother at 4.7 points per game, but he brings leadership and a strong presence inside for the Hawks. He has signed to play football for Duquesne University in the fall.
“He is definitely a Division one athlete,” said Luke of his brother. “He’s a natural leader on the court, and his presence is felt every single moment in practice and on the floor. His defensive ability comes naturally to him, and he’s worked really hard on elevating his offensive game this year. His basketball IQ has also risen to a new level than before this season.”
The Hawks defeated Musselman 65-47 to earn their trip to Charleston, and will serve as the 6-seed in Class AAAA.
UHS will battle third-seeded Spring Mills to open the day on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. The Hawks and Cardinals closed the regular season against each other on Baker’s Ridge, with Spring Mills leaving with a one-possession win, 52-49.
All six of UHS’ losses this season have come against teams in the state tournament. Luke Byrer is one of four Hawks to average in double-digits in points per game. He leads the way with a 14.7 scoring average. Glenn Brown (11.3), Eli Karpinski (11.3), and KK Lewis (10.6) join Byrer.
Spring Mills is aiming to repeat as Class AAAA state champions after capturing the 2025 title. Senior guard Akwasi Opoku-Achampong leads the Cardinals in scoring at 19.7 points per game. Fellow senior Tyler Jones averages 13.8 points per game, and junior Chase Jones adds 12.0 points per game.
