Lots of kids play basketball shooting games like Horse for fun, but it was more serious for Laci and Lynsey Bernotas.
“We used to go outside and play games like Pig or Horse. It became super competitive, and those games really helped us sharpen our shooting skills,” Lynsey Bernotas, a sophomore, said.
The sisters, both now shooting guards on Baldwin’s varsity team, began playing together in 2015, when they attended Saint Gabriel grade school. They both cite a key memory from their time on the St. Gabe’s team.
“My favorite memory is when Laci and I made it to the Diocesan Championship game,” Lynsey said. “The energy and intensity of the game was powerful, and I was lucky to have that experience with my sister.”
Laci, meanwhile, remembers being so happy for her sister when they won, since Lynsey was one of the youngest on that team.
The sisters grew up playing basketball, thanks to the influence of their dad, Mark, and oldest sister, Lexi, a 2020 alum who played for Baldwin. Laci, who is a junior, has been able to play basketball with both Lexi and Lynsey.
“Playing with both of my sisters has been one of the best experiences,” Laci said. “Having them around also gave me constant support and motivation, which made a big difference in my growth as a player and a leader.”
Junior Isabella Niles has seen the sisters supporting each other on the court.
“During games the sisters inspire each other,” Niles said. “When Laci is having an off game, Lynsey will lift her confidence up – and the same goes for Laci when Lysney is having an off game.”
Niles said Laci and Lysney both have been great role models for the team.
“Laci is a good leader and sets a good example at practice for not only the team, but also her sister,” Niles said. “Lynsey is great at hustling during games and is one of the team’s stronger offensive players.”
Their dad coached the sisters until they both reached high school. Mark Bernotas played at Seton LaSalle Catholic High School and went on to play at college at what is now PennWest California in Pennsylvania.
“He played basketball in high school, scored over 1,000 points, and even played at the next level, which was really inspiring for us,” Laci said.
The sisters do not know if they want to play in college yet. But during Baldwin games, they remember what their dad taught them during their early years of playing.
“One of the most important lessons he taught me is that no one can control your effort or mindset except for you,” Lynsey said.
Laci agreed.
“I have always kept this lesson in mind while playing, because even if I was down it brought me back up,” she said.
