2026 Basketball interview with Kasey Bolyard from Mogadore High School

 Photo credited to Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal 

 

Name: Kasey Bolyard

School/town—Mogadore

Positions played: point guard and shooting guard

Class of 2027

Height and Weight—5'4", 115 lb

Jersey Number: 2

Awards won or earned:

Basketball - 2x PTC scholar athlete, district champs, regional champs, state final four, 2x sectional champs, PTC honorable mention, WTCBCA honorable mention, top 40 Ohio academic team in basketball, 3x athlete of the week nominee, all-tournament team in AAU.

Cross Country—2x State Qualifier, Mogadore Regional course record (19:48)

Track - 2X state qualifier, 4th place in the 4x8 at state, state runner-up in the 4x4, school record in the 4x8, 3X All-American, 5x national medalist.

HUDL LINK: http://www.hudl.com/profile/19908757

Other sports played: Softball, Track, and Cross Country

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you. 

Last season against Northwest, my teammate at the time, Ari Tompkins, had made a full-court pass to me for a layup to seal the game with 10 seconds remaining, and it was a crazy feeling.

Who or what got you started playing basketball?

My older brother, Corey, played a big role in introducing me to basketball. Competing against him in one-on-one games sparked my passion and pushed me to improve.

What is the toughest aspect of being a student-athlete at Mogadore High School?

I would say since the school is so small, performances are so visible. So when you have a tough game, it adds so much pressure as to thinking of what everyone around me is thinking, but it has also helped build resilience and mental toughness.

What has been the best part of the season? 

The best part of my season would either be scoring 31 points against Independence or going to Topgolf with the team and the boys basketball team for senior night.

What has been the toughest part of the season?

I would say going into the season was the toughest for me because I was coming off an ankle injury and was going through a lot, so I was doubting if I was going to be as good as I was in AAU.

What makes you a good teammate?

I am a competitive yet selfless player who prioritizes team success and focuses on creating opportunities for others.

Point guard or shooting guard, which one is your best position?

Point guard because it allows me to lead, control tempo, facilitate scoring opportunities, and make impactful decisions on the court.

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team she was on?

DD Ryan from JFK—she's a very good player, and it’s always a good matchup when we play against them.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a high school basketball player?

Making it to the Final Four for the first time in school history my sophomore year

Which teammate is the one to square up against during practice?

Hayli Clester

How would you describe your game to a college coach?

Fast-paced and competitive

Should there be a shot clock in high school basketball?

No

Should every team make the tourney?

I think so because even my team going into the tournament didn’t have a great record, and we are still a very good and competitive team.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Kyrie Irving, I try to style my game like his because I look up to him.

What is your go-to snack?

A $5 meal deal from McDonald's

What is a style or fad that your generation has that you do not get or understand?

I don’t like black shoes at all, and black socks are even worse.

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