This past season the Freedom-South Riding boys basketball team celebrated their first winning season in four years, much due to the success of two brothers.
Sophomore Zyan Collins scores 21 points in Freedom South-Riding’s victory over Fauquier County in January
February 24, 2016 — There is always something that is attached to playing basketball with your brother. On one side each one wants to be the better sibling, on the other they both want the other to be as best as they possibly can. Zach and Zyan Collins have had the opportunity to play on the same high school team for the past two seasons, culminating with a winning season (11-10) with the second most wins in school history.
“It means a lot being able to get the results this season,” Zach said. “It took a lot of players changing their mentality this season. I am happy that as a senior we were able to get a winning record.”
Zach, a senior, recently played his last game for the Eagles against their top Conference 22 opponent, Champe High School. In what was one of the best performances of the season for Freedom South Riding, the Eagles fell 99-94 led by Zach who had a team-high 28 points. Zyan, only a sophomore on the team, added 13 points of his own.
On the season, the oldest averaged 18.1 ppg and the youngest 12.2 ppg. However, being able to score is not the only strength they brought to the Eagles. Zach and Zyan finished the season second and third in rebounding, Zyan led the team in assists, while Zach finished third.
“We had other guys as well, but their competitiveness spread to other teammates,” Head Coach Justin Powers said. “When the other team was making a run, we always had one of them to make a big shot, a big rebound, or get a big steal.”
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Both the guys are dedicated to their craft, constantly spending their time in the gym. After a dominating 65-37 win over Fauquier County in the last regular season game, Zach was persistent with his father to go back and get some shots in at the gym. At the free throw line he went 1-6 during the game and was not happy with his percentage despite the win.
They not only push themselves on and off the court but they push each other to become better players. Over the past year Zyan has grown into his own player; he was been able to generate his own scoring opportunities, which greatly benefited the team this season. As the younger brother Zyan, is not afraid to push Zach.
“Being on the same team is both the best thing and the worst thing,” Zach said. “I love playing with him but he gets on my nerves because he is trying to make me a better player.”
The push from his brother has led to Zach’s incredible performance on his senior year. So much that he is currently in contact with colleges for the chance to play for a Division II school next year. At the end of the season, it was Zyan though who was more upset than Zach about the senior playing his last game for the Eagles.
“I really felt bad because I knew we could have beaten them,” Zyan said. “I was very sad that it was my last game playing high school basketball with my brother.”
Looking forward to next season, Zyan has the chance to carry the load for his team next year. He hopes to bring leadership and heart to his team to continue with success they had this season.