Siblings lead Humber on the court

Sisters Maria and Kayla Suriani have been in competition with each other since their elementary school days, but the siblings have now joined forces on the Humber Hawks women’s basketball.

Kayla, an 18-year-old rookie, said that she is motivated to play with Maria, 20, and because of their previous playing experience, can read her signals on the court.

“I try to play as good as her,” said Kayla, a psychology, student of her sister, who is studying fitness and health. “We just know where each of us is on the court.”

The sisters, who grew up Hamilton played together in elementary school and on rep teams, but ended up on rival teams in high school.

Both Suriani sisters played together at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, but when the Suriani family moved to a new home in the city, Kayla transferred to the local team at St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School, with Maria keeping on at Bishop Ryan.

The sisters can easily remember moments of those teenage games.

“I once scored a three pointer in her face and her coach took her off,” Kayla said.

“My coach was pissed and called a timeout just to yell at me,” said Maria. “He thought I was letting her score so they could win.”

In Maria’s final year of high school, Kayla’s St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves defeated the Bishop Ryan Celtics in the quarterfinals.

The girls said that off the court, they talk about their successes and shortcomings.

“I think we’re more of a duo – always there for each other,” Maria said.

Both girls said that  they do not compete against each other.

“Unlike brothers, we’re not trying to show each other up because we just play the game hard,” said Kayla.

Maria, said she knows about the nerves and intimidation of playing at the college level, and she helps Kayla by encouraging her to not be afraid and play the game hard.

Maria said she loves playing at the varsity level.

“I love the school spirit,” said Maria of Humber College. “In high school people didn’t care about girl’s basketball or sports.”

Head coach Denise Perrier said she likes the girls’ competitive spirit.

“Both of them have a fighting mentality and so much passion,” said Perrier.

Perrier also said Kayla plays aggressive with a feisty attitude while Maria is a strong communicator who plays consistent and was the only player last season to be injury free.