While it is very rare that you see a set of twins playing on the same team of the same exact sport, it’s still really a great sight to see. Katie and Laura Zasly, both communications majors and players for Skyline’s women’s basketball team, are an example of just that.

These twin sisters are some of the key players that helped the Lady Trojans to get where they are right now. In case you haven’t heard, Skyline is one game away from making it to the final four.

The Zasly sisters started their basketball career in the 4th grade. They started playing just to have fun and eventually it became something they started to love. “We really love it” the Zasly sisters said with a smile on their face. Watching them play, you’d think that since first touching the ball basketball was second nature. However, if you talked to them, you’d learn that it wasn’t that easy.

In terms of sports it was really hard for them growing up because, besides playing basketball, they also played soccer. They had to learn offense and defense for both games. Even so, playing two different sports didn’t stopped them from becoming elite players.

While they were inspired by many people, there was always one person who inspired them to keep going; Michael Jordan. One thing that also made it easy for them was the fact that they were both playing for the same team every time. “It really helps us because we know each other so well” they said. After playing so long together the girls are very familiar with each other’s routines, strengths and weaknesses. “We just work together so well,” said the twins.

In terms of this year’s season, considering the team as a whole, the girls are confident in their abilities. Things are definitely going better for them than when they started. The team is pumped and ready to do some damage.

Off the court, the girls work well together too. If anything is ever wrong they quickly find away to come back together. Any problems that come their way are quickly repaired and forgotten.

Twins are known for having a mind set in which they both say the exact same thing at the exact same time. Katie and Laura are no different. On the court, the two function as one in terms of presenting a strong offense and an even stronger defense. Off the court, their link is just as obvious, especially to the two of them. Whether it’s saying the exact thing at the exact same time or silent conversations, these girls are definitely in sync.–Anttwan Stanberry–

Rodney and Ronny Freeman are two brothers who are both on Skyline’s basketball team. In an interview with the duo, we got to know the Freeman brothers a little better.

Rodney and Ronny played basketball casually ever since they were 5-years-old. It wasn’t until 1999, when they were at a pop-warner football event, that they participated in a sport really competitively. And it wasn’t until they were 11 when they became serious about basketball. They were inspired most by their grandparents, who instilled within them the philosophies “don’t quit something that you start” and “don’t let anyone talk you into quitting.”

“It’s cool, but at times it is annoying” said Ronny, jokingly, when asked what it is like to always be playing with his brother, “but we push each other to our limits.” And Rodney added “We understand each other on court.”

Ronny, who is a broadcast/communication as well as a criminal justice major, said that he had to work on becoming stronger, faster and drilling with his left the most. Rodney, who is also a criminal justice major, but is interested in acting as well, says the biggest thing he had to overcome was his brother nagging him after each mistake.

Commenting on why they came to Skyline, when they went to high school in San Francisco, they both said “To see something different and meet different people.” This being their sophomore year, they are getting ready to transfer to a four-year university. They aren’t sure where they want to go yet, but they are clear on one thing: they want to go out of state. And another thing they are certain about is continuing to play basketball, wherever they choose to go.

“Basketball makes the school year go fast” Rodney said.

These two brothers are proud of this past season. They said that their coach, Justin Piergrossi, remarked that this was the best season he had in the five years that he has been coaching here at Skyline. However, their recent loss to the undefeated Fresno Rams is weighing pretty heavily on their minds. As they are leaving Skyline, they are going to miss their teammates.

“Off of the basketball court, we [the team] would help each other with school work.” The two brothers said. “And when we were on the court, we helped people know their positions, especially the freshmen. We were like one big brotherhood.”–Kenny Martin–