Warren Central standout Armani Byrd signs with WKU men’s basketball

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Wednesday night at Warren Central High School, combo guard Armani Byrd signed to play just a few feet from home with the Western Kentucky Hilltopper men’s basketball team in 2027.

Since stepping on the 4th Region scene at the varsity level, Byrd year-after-year has proven to be one of the most talented players in the area.

After signing, he shared how he’s grown over his years playing under Dragon head coach William Unseld.

“ I feel like I’ve grown as a person and as a player, off the court and on the court. Just going from that role from my ninth grade year, from shooting the ball to having to take on more of that responsibility to go score the ball more off the dribble and just being a great teammate,” Byrd said.

His size, speed and pure talent on the basketball court have led his school to many wins across the years, but Wednesday, his hard work earned him one of the biggest wins he’ll ever see in the form of a college basketball scholarship.

The six-foot-eight Dragon senior had offers from other schools across the country, but ultimately his decision to remain in Warren County was an easy one.

“ I’m super excited. Like I’ve always said, it’s always been a dream of mine. My dad played here, I got cousins and family that play there, so that’s just another big reason for me wanting to go to Western,” Byrd said. “Coach Hank (Plona) actually sat me down and I committed right on the spot. That’s how happy I was when I got (the offer).”

“I can’t wait to get to the Hill. I’m going to give y’all 1000% and hopefully go win the national championship.”

Byrd is set to join fellow former Dragon basketball star Kade Unseld with the Hilltoppers, continuing a tradition of in-state athletes taking the court under WKU head coach Hank Plona.

The current roster at Western features seven bluegrass players, and as Byrd is next up in a class of a few more from Kentucky, he spoke on how special it is to stay in town following his final season with Warren Central, having sights set on championship trophies both in the present and in the future.

“I love how he’s recruiting out of Kentucky, like, it’s local now,” Byrd said. “I love a coach that recruits players from where they’re from, and I just can’t wait (to play). I feel like they can have another conference championship year this year and win another conference championship.”

“ I can’t wait for this season. I’m ready for it to start, like, I just want to have fun this season and play with my guys and hopefully go win a state title.”