Duo of dominance
at Lincoln

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Opponents of the Abraham Lincoln High School basketball team might think they’re seeing double.
And they are . . . they’re seeing Nesertitti and Nesertirri Huckaby — twin sisters — in action on the court.
Although the season marks their debut in the Philadelphia Public League, the freshmen guards have earned notice for their aggressive play — and their identical looks.
"They have the athletic ability and they have the toughness," said Mike Turchi, in his fifth year as Lincoln coach. "They’re already starting to develop into exceptional athletes."
The duo helped the Railsplitters defeat Washington High School, 55-33, on Dec. 19. Lincoln dominated and kept the lead throughout the game. However, the Eagles gave it their best shot, closing the gap to seven points during a nice run in the third quarter.
"The girls are very good at handling pressure," said Turchi. "They (Washington) put the pressure on us and the girls brought it right back on them."
Nefertitti led her team with 13 points. Nesertirri had 12. Sophomore center Paige Medlar also had an exceptional game, putting 11 points on the scoreboard.
"I thought that this game was excellent!" said Medlar. "We came in today with confidence and we walked away with a win. We’re playing real well this year. But we’re working hard to get better."
The Railsplitters have a very young squad this season, including a swarm of underclassmen. However, Lincoln is optimistic that the talents of the younger players will overcome their inexperience.
"I always try to play all the girls, so the team can become develop more chemistry throughout the season," said Turchi. "The team has a lot of confidence. They’re working hard to continue improving."
For the Railsplitters, next on the chopping block is Girls High and a Jan. 4 game. Until then, the Lincoln players are taking advantage of their free time, practicing as often as possible.
"We work hard and we play hard," said Nesertitti. "We work as a team. We play as a team. We win as a team. We do everything together."
And, of course, for sister guards Nesertitti and Nesertirri, playing side by side is nothing new.
"We’ve been playing together our whole lives, so we’re used to it," said Nesertitti. "We help each other’s game. I tell her things that she needs to work on and she tells me what I need to work on."
Nesertirri got her start on the basketball court at age 9, and Nesertitti followed two years later.
"I just remember watching basketball on TV and trying to memorize the moves," said Nesertirri, 14. "Then I would go outside and practice. I’ve always liked practicing. Me and my sister practice together every day."
With dreams of collegiate ball in their future, the sister athletes have no problem with their daily practices and vigorous training.
"I’m going to go to North Carolina and she’s going to Rutgers," Nesertirri said with a giant smile.
The days of wowing audiences on a collegiate basketball squad are still nearly four years away, giving the twins plenty of time to improve their game and help their team strive for bigger things.
"It’ll be a good season," said Nesertitti. "The girls are determined to win. Every play, we get up and run back down the court. It doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing, if we’re hurt or healthy — we’re always playing our hardest." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com