Berntsen Twins a Powerful Basketball Duo

If you have been to either a Chatham boys or girls basketball game this year, you have probably seen either Jonathan or Amanda Berntsen tearing up the court, helping to lead their Chatham Cougar team to a winning record.

This isn't the first year they've done so. Both fraternal twins, who are now sophomores, saw varsity playing time as freshmen, which helped them earn invaluable experience on the court.

They have also been helped along the way by their basketball-oriented family.

Their older brother, Jeremy, was a Chatham high school player who went on to play at Wheaton College in Illinois. Their father, Torry, played in high school as well and has inspired them their entire lives.

"My dad taught me everything I know—he has been the greatest influence and made me the player I am today. But I have also learned a lot from Jonathan," said Amanda.

Jeremy has since graduated from college. Back in New Jersey, he often plays with his younger siblings and gives them advice.

"They're both super competitive, and both worked really hard to obviously play as freshmen," Jeremy said. "They're way ahead of where I was [at their age]."

Jonathan and Amanda practice every day, year round, playing both for their high schools, amateur athletic union teams, and in summer camps.

They also go to their church and shoot at night, doing drills and taking instruction from their father.

"My dad taught me [basketball] when I was young," said Jonathan. "He keeps on pushing me, he never lets me stay where I am, and he always wants me to be better, so he has helped me out a lot."

In the offseason, the twins employ the help of a private instructor. Even though they are focused on leading their teams to victory in the here and now, they also have aspirations to play at a higher level.

"To get an offer from a Division 1 school would be a dream," said Amanda. Colleges that play at the Division 1 level are considered to be the top basketball schools in the country.

Jonathan agreed.

"Ever since we started playing, to eventually play D-1 has been our goal," said Jonathan, and Amanda agreed.

The Chatham boys are 10-6 and the girls are 12-4 so far this season, so both are poised for a potentially successful postseason run.

Jonathan's attitude toward his play this year is indicative of what seems to be a Berntsen family credo: To always work hard and look forward, and to never allow one's self to settle or become stagnant.

"I'm happy with my play this year, but I'm never really happy with where I am, so I just want to keep on getting better," said Jonathan.

Amanda echoed her brother's sentiment.

"This year, I am a lot more comfortable playing on the court, but we are always trying to improve more," said Amanda.

One can only speculate as to what kinds of contributions they will be capable of as seniors, with two more years of practice and experience under their belts, and with the prospect of college basketball just over the horizon.