Wallkill's Dembinsky twins to represent Mid-Hudson at summer basketball tournament
WALLKILL – Alex and Sam Dembinsky have been inseparable since birth and appear headed to remain that way.
The twins have played basketball side-by-side since they were 5 years old. They played on the same club teams, the same school teams and now they share court time with the Mid-Hudson team headed for this weekend’s Basketball Coaches Association of New York Hoops Festival. There’s a senior season ahead at Wallkill High School and it’s appearing more and more likely the sisters are going to be part of a package deal when they sign to play collegiately.
“I think we have a bond that's different than others,’’ Sam said.
For the record, Alex is one minute older than Sam and they are fraternal twins – they are both 5-foot-9 and 17 years old. Alex is more outgoing while Sam is a bit on the quiet side. Their personalities are very much alike, though Sam says she’s the funnier one in the pair. Alex likes reading while Sam enjoys drawing.
Alex is a true basketball guard, handling the ball and enjoying playing on the perimeter; Sam likes guard play too but she accepts the task of playing more on the inside and being physical.
Alex believes there is a bit of mental telepathy between the sisters when they play basketball. “We know where each other’s going to be (and) we can assume what the other person’s going to do,’’ Alex said.
Sam says the coordination with her sister is probably from playing side by side for so many years.
“We just know where the other is on the court,’’ Sam said, “not that we’re always looking for each other.’’
“They do well together,’’ said A.J. Higby, who doubles as their Wallkill and BCANY coach. Both of those teams have lost considerable talent since last season so it’s helpful that the Dembinskys will take on more significant roles.
“These two are going to step up,’’ Higby said. “I think Alex and Sam stepped up last year and played well, but now they realize they're the leaders … and they're expected to do well. The expectations are higher for them and I think they're ready for it.’’
Alex is the lanky, quick ball handler with a good outside shot and an outstanding ability to move well without the ball. Sam relishes the more-physical play, but still has the ability to make defenders look silly with quick post moves around the basket. “She’s going to be able to thump some people and kick (the ball) out,’’ Higby said of Sam. “She does this up-and-under (move) and I start laughing because I know it’s coming and I know whoever is guarding her has no chance, I don’t care how big they are.’’
The Mid-Hudson BCANY team has only two returning members out of 12 on the roster but one of them is Wallkill teammate Zoe Mesuch – certainly one of the top players in Section 9 – so that familiarity between the trio should help for this summer event.
The girls’ parents, Matt and Trisha, both played sports in college so they have a good understanding of how to raise their burgeoning athletes and set them on the right path without being overbearing.
“We know they’re supporting us with whatever we do,’’ Alex said. “We can always talk to them about anything.’’
The next big decision will be choosing a college. Sam says there is a slight chance the sisters may go their different ways at their next schools but it’s not likely. Alex wants to study criminology and Sam is interested in exercise sciences and teaching. They are looking at the SUNY Athletic Conference and some other NCAA Division III schools.
“Knowing we have each other is nice,’’ Alex said.
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
BCANY Summer Hoops Festival
(at Johnson City schools)
Mid-Hudson schedule
Girls – Friday 2:30 p.m. vs. Buffalo (at high school); Friday 5:30 p.m. vs. Long Island (at high school); Saturday 8 a.m. vs. Rochester (at middle school); Saturday 11 a.m. vs. Southern Tier (at middle school)
Boys – Friday 2:30 p.m. vs. Capital (at middle school); Friday 8:30 p.m. vs. Nassau (at elementary school); Saturday 3:30 p.m. vs. Suffolk (at middle school); Saturday 6:30 p.m. vs. Hudson Valley (at elementary school)
Sunday playoff positioning
Girls - Semifinals at 8:30 a.m. (elementary and middle schools); Third-place game at 11:30 a.m. (at elementary school); Fifth-place game at 11:30 a.m. (at high school); Championship at 1 p.m. (at elementary school)
Boys – Fourth-place game at 8:30 a.m. (at high school); Semifinals at 10 a.m. (at elementary and middle schools); Fifth-place game at 10 a.m. (at high school); Third-place game at 11:30 a.m. (at middle school); Championship at 1 p.m. (at middle school)
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Wallkill's Dembinsky twins represent Mid-Hudson at basketball tourney
