A set of twins practices basketball against each other harder than they would against their other teammates, and they understand each other unlike they do their other teammates. They compete, feeling most inclined to outperform each other, but never allow their competitiveness to weaken their bond.

Fraternal twins Mike and David Hill entered the Revere basketball program six years ago and have progressed through the years, using their relationship to their advantage through both competition and cooperation.

Being the same age, the two seniors, have developed a closer relationship than most brothers.

“We’re so close in age that we often times like the same things,” Mike said.

David also touched on the relationship that he and his brother share.

“As a kid I always knew there was a sibling that I could play with no matter what really. We are usually on the same page when we do things,” David said.

When they reached seventh grade, the two decided to try out for basketball and bring their relationship to the court. Playing on the same team gave the twins a unique experience.

The pair’s closeness has always created a competitive spirit between them that does not exist between the other teammates, and this has helped the twins’ develop as basketball players. Over the years, coaches have sometimes thought to pit the two against each other in practice to drive them to improve.

“Our competitions get kind of fierce… I am going to try to show him up, and he is going to try to show me up,” David said.

In addition to improving their skills through competition, the twins’ relationship can also help them cooperate. They both believe that they have developed a comfort level which gives them an advantage.

Revere High School Varsity Basketball coach Dean Rahas has noticed the relationship and the two’s unique closeness. Rahas believes that playing against his own older brother caused to him to work harder to overcome his four-year age disadvantage.

Rahas also appreciates the consistently-high level of effort the twins provide.

The twins’ character “says a lot about their parents. They are two kids [we are] going to miss,” Rahas said.

The twins’ basketball experience will end this year, but their relationship, which has strengthened through their joint participation in the sport, will carry on to future activities, aiding them in the same manner as it did in basketball.