One family, one team. Senior Mitch and sophomore Adam Bruggers’ bond as brothers and teammates on and off the court.

As players on the boys varsity basketball team, Adam and Mitch  practice in the gyms at school, and carry their efforts to the comfort of their home. Even when the boys were little, they would practice and play together with aspirations of playing varsity basketball. Back then, neither of the boys would have thought they would be playing together on the same team today.

Playing basketball for a varsity team is stressful, but playing on a team with their brother relieves some stress because it allows for the opportunity to practice at home, and improve by playing each other outside of a controlled practice.

 Mitch said, “It is really fun practicing with Adam because we know what each other has to work on and then when we get back home we can talk about the game and what went good or bad about it.”

Being a role model to his younger brother is important to Mitch, and Adam listens carefully to Mitch’s insight on the game.

“I like having Mitch on the team to look up to and hear his advice, and he can hear mine. It is nice that we get to practice together,” said Adam.

After a big win, or a very close game that leads to a loss, the energy and intensity from that game is brought home and shared amongst the brothers.

Mitch said, “After a win it is basically the same as normal; a loss it is a little more quiet and we are both a little hesitant, but then later we just talk about how to improve and practice.”

Adam added, “Usually after a game and if we go home it is pretty much like any day unless it is not a win then we are a little more angry.”

Being multi-sport athletes, Mitch and Adam help each other outside of just basketball. Relying on each other as a friend, teammate and a confidant, these brothers push each other to become the best they can be. Through all the efforts that are put in, on and off the court, Mitch and Adam strive to become better players and work toward achieving their goal.  Being on the same team benefits them in more than just one way, the opportunity to play with a friend, much less a brother is rare and Mitch and Adam embrace every aspect of it.