Twins creating confusion for Ram foes

Beyond the quasi-psychic twin powers, the two have played basketball together for since childhood, developing comfort and chemistry on the court that heightens their natural abilities.

Even when they play pick-up at Pacana Park, the two prefer to play on the same team, as they know exactly what the other will do with the ball.

Besides their chemistry, the twins consider themselves as leaders on the court, as they tend to have the ball in their hand more often than not.

But they are not the only ones to view them as leaders.

"They bring team leadership on and off the court," said assistant coach Charles Litt.

On the court, Branchik said the twins also add quickness, agility and outside shooting to the team, with Litt adding that their speed can cause problems for opposing guards.

"I'm glad they're part of the program," Branchik said, adding that they were "good kids."

Jarvis has contributed more with his offense this season, netting a team-high 24 points in an upset victory over then-undefeated Phoenix Arcadia in December, while Lester has been called upon as more of a defensive stopper, often being tabbed to shut down a hot scorer on an opposing team.

The duo's importance was perhaps most clearly seen in a Dec. 2 ovetime loss to Scottsdale Saguaro, in which Lester went out with an injured hand and Jarvis fouled out minutes into the fourth quarter, having to watch from the bench as Maricopa coughed up the lead.

The twins joined the varsity squad last season, teaming up with their older brothers Josh and Wesley Gonzalez, who both graduated last year.

Jarvis and Lester played with Josh and Wesley while growing up, and both of the older brothers watch the twins play and offer advice and suggestions on how to improve.

"They tell us what we need to do better," Jarvis said, adding his older brothers are honest with their opinions of their play.

Despite having four brothers play on the same team, the Gonzalez brothers actually come from a soccer family, as their father played soccer until a leg injury forced him to quit.

The twins were led by their father into playing soccer as while they were younger, but the twins ended up enjoying basketball, and subsequently pursued it.

Now their focus is on making the 4A-II playoffs after a one-and-done playoff run last year.

"I don't want it to end," Lester said.

(Edit:Ruby)