Oh, brother!
That statement takes on added meaning for the Poway boys’ basketball team this season. The Titans have three sets of siblings, including a pair of twins.
“I can’t ever having three sets of brothers,” said Titans coach Corey Clark, a Poway High graduate now in his 12th year as head coach.
“There have been times when we’ve had two sets, one on the varsity and another on the junior varsity or freshman team, but three all on the varsity? Never.”
Here is a quick look at the three sets:
Daniel Mariduena, a 6-6 junior forward-center who grew two inches from last year when he was selected All-Palomar League and Brandon Mariduena, a 6-1 senior guard and captain who is rounding into shape after returning from an injury. Daniel leads the team in scoring (15.0 points per game) and rebounding (10.0 rebounds per game).
Blake Jones, a 6-4 senior forward, who pairs nicely with his sophomore brother, Bryce, a 6-2 guard.
Jake Sawyer, a 6-2 junior guard and his twin brother, Brandon Sawyer, a 6-3 guard.
“It was hard for me at first to tell the Sawyer brothers apart but then Brandon had a growth spurt,” said Clark, who obviously is enjoying coaching three sets of brothers.
“There is a real family feel to this team. We have team meals on game nights but those six are used to a big table with lots of food and a lot of hungry guys. I believe the parents appreciate that they can go to one spot and watch both of their sons play.
“It’s a real testament to the parents of all of the players that everyone gets along so well. If one kid goes in, there’s no jealousy from the one coming out. Oh, sure, sometimes things get heated and maybe a little more magnified because they’re brothers, but that doesn’t last very long.”
This is the first time the Jones brothers have played on the same team.
“It’s great, I love to see my little brother succeed,” said Blake. “I try to guide him to be a better player. I’m older and I have more experience and it’s true, there are times when I’ll know what he’s going to do before he does it.”
Bryce sees it a little differently.
“Blake takes any opportunity he can to bully me,” he said, chuckling.
The coach enjoys watching how the six interact — both how they’re similar and how they’re unique.
“The Mariduenas are very different, for example,” Clark said. “Brandon and his ‘little brother’ work well together, from all of the time they’re played, and Daniel has a real knack for getting the ball to Brandon on sharp drives.
“We were a little late having a full squad because the football team won the section championship and played into the Southern California Regional championships. Our tallest player, junior James Clifford (a 6-7 tight and defensive end), senior Ty Hurst (a 6-4 quarterback who tossed for 2,381 yards and 22 touchdowns) and junior running back Luke Jorgensen (the leading rusher at 1,201 yards, 19 TDs) are rounding into shape and will be a big help.
“We’ve had four of the six brothers on the court at one time and with Brandon reing us, you never know, some game maybe we’ll have five.”
The Titans, despite missing the football players, jumped out to a 7-4 start before heading off to play in the Atascadero Christmas Tournament, where they went 3-1, losing only to the hosts. They have three more games to get ready for Palomar League play, opening against Westview on the road Jan. 14.
“The Sawyer twins and Daniel Mariduena are three of 10 juniors on this team along with two sophomores and only five seniors,” said Clark. “They work well together. Daniel is such a willing er, and I think that comes from all of the nights he and Brandon worked together in their backyard.
“These six brothers have all bought into our motto of being part of the ‘Titan family.’ They’re all very deserving of a spot on this team — yes, all three sets of brothers.”
