Blackwood brothers enjoying one last ride on the court at Aquinas

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — It’s been a long journey together Myles and Mason Blackwood. The Aquinas Basketball duo has played together since youth, going all the way to their days at home.

"We used to play in the front yard, driveway all the time," sophomore Mason said. "One-on-ones all the time."

As they got older, they went from competing against each other to with each other, something together took on a whole new meaning.

"We know what’s at stake," Aquinas senior Myles said. "Before, we’re playing around, getting our conditioning in leading us to moments like this. Playing those games really built us up."

Last year, the Li’l Irish made it to the Class AA semifinals a year ago, falling to Gates Chili by 11. But to them, that’s a loss that’s beneficial for this year.

"Knowing the feelings, and like, emotions coming into that’s something that you can’t really take away," the younger Blackwood brother said. "You’ll always have that playing in the back of your head."

Though can be tough to end the season by playoff loss, the two being there for each other is made it easier to cope.

"Getting that chemistry building up is great and I feel like that shaped our team a lot losing a game like that and it built us really close," the senior Blackwood said.

Now, as they get set for one last ride before Myles graduates, every moment matters that much more.

"It really feels great," Mason added. "Just knowing that we’re on the same team. It’s still crazy to me. It’s like reading the back of your hand, we play together all the time and when he’s out on the court with me, I know where he’s about to be at."