Their talent on the basketball court has been well-known in the Columbus area for many years. Prior to arriving at Northside High School as freshmen, 6-foot-tall twins Jasmine and Jessica Herndon had already made a name for themselves as outstanding middle school and travel ball athletes. The attention they generated early on put them on the radar of many coaches and athletic programs. In due time, offers were considered, locations discussed and programs evaluated, but one thing was non-negotiable.
“We were a package deal,” says Jessica.
The sisters never thought of committing to a college which wasn’t interested in them attending together. They narrowed down their choices and settled on Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. The NCAA Division I school participates in athletics in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The North Georgia college met many criteria on the seniors’ wish list, most importantly though, they would be together and continue to play together.
“It was a big decision. It was close by, not too far away and I get to play there with my sister,” says Jasmine, who is older by 17 minutes.
Her sister agrees, saying the basketball program felt like family to them and there was assurance the twins could fit into the future scheme of the Lady Owls team.
With that decision made, the athletes have felt a freedom to enjoy their last season of basketball at Northside. They have been playing the sport since the age of five when they kind of happened upon it by chance. The sisters were participating in activities at Girls, Inc., when they first were introduced to the sport. Curious, they tried their hand at it and, well, the rest is history.
Since that time basketball has been a passion for both of the Herndon twins. They have tried ballet, tap dancing, golf, chess and numerous other activities and sports but nothing has come close to basketball.
“Our parents kind of let us pick. They were just really supportive. Kind of like, whatever you want to do, go for it,” says Jasmine.
Like most twins, the 18-year-old sisters have always been close. It would stand to reason that maybe one would be better at basketball and the other twin went along for the ride. However, the sisters are unique in that both are very talented athletes in the same sport. Just as they have different personalities, they bring different strengths to the game.
Jessica leads the Lady Patriots in rebounding this season. In one recent game, she racked up 15 rebounds. She sees herself as a better defensive player, patient on the floor as she waits for opportunities. Her favorite position to play is center but she is comfortable at other spots.
Jasmine suffered a knee injury in a game just before Christmas break. She spent weeks in recovery and took that opportunity to work on her shooting skills. The more outspoken of the twins, Jasmine is very verbal on the court, calling to her teammates at every opportunity, a leader on the floor. She, too, likes the center position. Last season she averaged 13 points a game and says she works best with her back to the basket.
The past two seasons the Lady Patriots have won back-to-back region championships. This year they are under the direction Barbara Hester Lowe, the new Northside girls basketball coach and a former Columbus State University basketball player. It didn’t take Lowe long to gain appreciation for the twins.
“They work so well together. They look for each other out there and move so well together. It really is something to watch when they play,” Lowe says.
So far, the sisters have nothing but praise for their new coach. They are mature enough to recognize adapting to a different coach this year is a preview of sorts for moving in a few months to the college level which will involve more coaching changes.
Coach Lowe isn’t worried about the transition for the young women.
“They’re smart. Really smart. They work hard. They are such good athletes and they work well with a team. I can’t see them having any problems,” says Lowe.
Both sisters feel their present team has a good shot at going further than securing another region championship. They would like to end their time at Northside with a state championship. Being the girls that they are, they haven’t missed the fact that such a deal comes complete with something bright and shiny.
“(Region) is just not enough. We’re just pushing to get us a little ring. Some jewelry,” says Jessica, smiling.
After all, a girl can’t have too many of those.
“Not at all. Especially when it’s that big,” Jasmine adds with a laugh.
The Herndon twins are also track and field athletes. This spring they will participate in shot put and discus events for the Northside Patriots. Both have enjoyed the experience and feel they may just reach their personal best this season in both events.
Columbus Valley/Special Feature/February 2016
Herndon Twins
Northside High School
Columbus, Georgia
By Beth Welch
Photos by Jerry Christenson
