In the realm of high school basketball, tales of rising stars and promising athletes abound. However, the story of Jayden and Jorden Etheridge, Freshman twin brothers at Verrado High School, is nothing short of extraordinary. Rarely, do Freshman play at the Varsity level. The fact that these athletes are not just brothers but twins is phenomenal.
Both fourteen-year-olds sport their Viper jerseys proudly, and these point guards (#3 and #0, respectively) have already made a name for themselves with their skill, dedication, and dreams of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
While many may not realize it yet, getting the opportunity for this journalist to go to a game and watch them play is something special. Sitting in the stands, it’s a pleasure watching just how easily they exceed the expected level of speed, IQ, athleticism, and all-around skill on the court.
Early Beginnings
“When I started playing in 2017, we never really thought that we were so good to play at the highest level for basketball,” admits Jayden Etheridge, the #3 point guard, who showcases an impressive talent for shooting and a tenacious commitment to defense.
Jorden Etheridge, the #0 point guard, shares his early love for the game, saying, “I started playing basketball when I was 6 years old and have been in love with the game ever since.” He excels in shooting and playmaking, garnering attention for his skills
Playing at the Highest Level
The Etheridge brothers express their excitement at playing varsity basketball, emphasizing their disbelief at reaching such heights at such a young age. “It feels amazing; it’s cool to see me and him playing together at a high level. We are both learning new things and trying to get better together,” says Jorden, reflecting on the unique journey they share.
Verrado Basketball head coach Ramon Marks adds on, “It is great to have young guys who can contribute on the varsity level this early in their careers. They also have a great work ethic which means they will continue to get better, which is great for them as players, but also for the program overall”.
Coach Marks continues “It’s exciting to watch them play because you can see the potential that they have at such a young age. They are small but fearless so they make some plays that you might not expect from freshmen their size at
the varsity level.”
Individual and Collective Goals
Jayden lays out his individual aspirations, stating, “My goal is to get offers and make it to the NBA.”
Jorden echoes these sentiments, expressing his dream of going pro. However, it’s their shared dream that stands out: “Play on the same NBA team and prove everyone wrong,” they declare, underscoring their ambition as a dynamic duo.
College Dreams
Both brothers share their hopes of playing college basketball as well. When asked about it, Jayden reveals, “Of course. My dream college is Kentucky; one day I’ll for sure play there.”
Jorden emphasizes the importance of hard work, explaining that he is a “hardworking person who is trying to make it to the NBA.”
A Glimpse into the Future
Jorden mentions “I hoop all the time, all day, no matter what. We’re always working hard and that makes me and Jayden different”
Jorden shared a brief yet heartwarming tribute to his brother, describing him as “a great brother.”
As these freshman twin brothers persist in forging their way in the basketball world, their journey is destined to be defined by skill, unwavering dedication, and an indomitable bond, and Verrado absolutely can’t wait to support them throughout their journey to the league.
