Double dribble
February 19, 2016
Home game. Five players trying to overcome the opposite side. The game is rough. Spectators are acting crazy, cheering on the Boy’s varsity basketball team. Panther pride and glory is on the line. At first sight, it appears that there are only four home players on the court, but that is wrong. The audience is seeing double.
Seniors Nathan and Nicholas Janssen, varsity basketball players are twins. Both of them started playing basketball as kids and they have been playing varsity basketball since their freshmen year.
Nick is a shooting guard on the team and is number 21 on the court. His passion for basketball has started when he was younger. He was involved in different kinds of sports but he focused on basketball and continued to improve his skills.
“I’ve played it since I was really young and then I came here. When we started our freshman year, it [the team] also has been a sort of a family, a brotherhood, just it’s been fun ever since,” said Nick Janssen.
On the court he is always energizing the team and trying to create power for his teammates.
“Nick is an energy guy. He brings a lot to the table as far as just being a competitive kid. He’s really good shooter, knocks down some really good shots for us and just does everything a little bit, making it better,” said coach Scott Jermain.
His brother Nathan is a point guard and co-captain with senior James Sappington. On the team he is number 32.
“Nate is really good dribbler and he puts the team in front of them. He communicates very well on the court, and he’s just a really good friend all around,” said junior Wesley McCullough.
Fellow players see that his leadership qualities are truly important during practices and on the court.
“Nate is a good leader. He’s very hard-working. He puts a lot of time to be a great shooter. I think that the biggest thing that he does for us is that the ball is always in his hands. He always keeps everybody under control, gets people in the right position, and comforts people knowing that we’ll be alright. He just really does nice job in leading the team,” said Jermain.
Being twins on the same team it is not only hard because they are very identical and similar, but also because of family relationships. Sometimes brothers like to compete against each other.
“Sometimes, on the court we tend to fight because I think that he [Nathan] can do better. He thinks that I can do better sometimes. But it’s cool to have connection with him. I know what he’s going to do on the court,” said Nicholas.
Brothers-twins benefit the team since they tend to think and play very alike. They have “sixth sense” on the court that simplifies the process. Coach Scott Jermain says that they complement each other and interact with other players very well.
“One of Nate’s strength is being able to penetrate the ball and Nick is shooting in the basketball, so when Nate penetrates and his man helps off and leaves Nick open for the shot. The other thing is, you know, Nate needs a rest and Nick can shoot well so sometimes Nick takes the pointing guard position. The boys work well together,” said Jermain.
Twins Nicholas and Nathan are always on the right spot helping and supporting the boys, and the team fully appreciate their work and efforts.
“They’re really good at taking on defense. They help us out a lot at getting to know what to do, getting at the right spot at the right time,” said senior Cole Kruse.
Since the Janssens are seniors this year the coaching staff is hoping that the twins will continue their basketball careers in college. Coach Scott Jermain is looking forward to watching them continue to play so well.
