Sophomore Rionna Martin and senior Asia Martin have always had a strong bond on and off the court. Whether it’s trying to come up with game strategy together or figuring out where they are going to go eat after practice, they always have stuck together
The Martin sisters have played basketball on the same team their whole lives. They used to play against other kids at the basketball court at their church in their hometown of St. Louis, Mo.
“We grew up together, we are literally only 18 months apart,” Rionna said. “My mom treats us like we are twins. She dressed us alike growing up. We just always have been close, always have, and did everything together.”
Their grandfather used to coach them, and he played a big part in getting them both into playing together. Their parents have always pushed them to be the best they can be on the court. They have supported them by finding training sessions for them, bought their equipment throughout the years and cheered them on from the bleachers.
“I feel [basketball] makes us closer, but it also does start arguments and friendly competitions,” Rionna said. “But we are always close even outside of playing basketball, and it does bring us joy playing together.”
Rionna and Asia also run track together, adding another element to the sibling competition they have always had. Every time they do something better than each other in track or basketball, they always try to outperform the other. When they first moved to Texas, one of the first things their parents bought for them was a basketball hoop. They played together for hours on end.
“I honestly don’t remember our relationship before basketball, but it has always been really great,” Asia said.
When Rionna first came to Kingwood Park as a freshman last year, she was grateful to have Asia by her side to guide her through high school. Rionna and Asia have been in the starting lineup the past two years, helping the team reach the playoffs.
“When they are both on the court it’s really fun to watch,” coach Andrew Cross said. “They are just so fast and athletic, you can just tell they enjoy playing together.”
Cross has seen their relationship grow the past two seasons. He said their communication has grown the most in the way they learned how to talk and communicate with each other on the court and put their arguments aside. He wants them to have fun in their last season together.
“You always want those kinds of kids in your program, they are so passionate about winning,” Cross said.“I can depend on them and their maturity on the court.”
When they are off the court, they always hang out – oftentimes going to the mall to spend time together. Rionna said Asia helps her with her classes and gives her advice, which has made things easier for Rionna. With the basketball season winding down and Asia graduating in May, Rionna is going to miss being with her sister on and off the court.
“I feel like I’m gonna have to depend on myself a lot and for the next two years when she’s not in high school with me,” Rionna said.
The Martin sisters are cherishing this last basketball season they are playing together. They are determined to make it their best yet.
“I’m gonna miss both of them,” Cross said. “Asia is the same age as my daughter, so it’s like she’s one of my kids as well. I’m gonna miss seeing Asia and Rionna’s connection. It’s tough. You get attached to a certain group. It’s gonna be a really special group to lose.”
