When Anthony Wayne seniors Elise and Brooke Bender head to Villanova University to start their college basketball careers, they will bring a unique blend of chemistry, mutual support, and motivation.
The twin sisters have started on the varsity since they were freshmen. The Generals have posted a three-year overall record of 66-13 with the Benders as key leaders in the lineup.
Elise and Brooke Bender recently committed to play at Villanova.
“It's going to be nice having someone there that I've spent my entire life with,” Brooke said. “We've always tried to make each other better. We see things on the court that other people might not see, because we've played with each other so much. We push each other to do better. Being able to have her there with me is going to be tremendous.”
Elise, who earned All-Ohio first team honors last season, acknowledged being able to continue to play with her sister should benefit both of them.
“When we play together, we play better,” Elise said, “because we're definitely both very competitive. When we have a challenge, we definitely push each other, and that will just make us better teammates and people.”
Elise Bender, a 6-foot-1 wing, averaged 22.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game last season.
Brooke Bender, a 6-foot wing, also earned All-NLL and all-district first-team honors last season after averaging 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
“Brooke and Elise decided it was important that they pursue college in hopes of continuing to play together,” Anthony Wayne coach Jami Carter said. “This will provide them a level of comfort settling into a new environment. They will be able to push one another but also lean on each other.”
Villanova proved to be the perfect fit athletically and academically.
“We were looking at a bunch of schools,” Brooke said, “but I just felt like I could accomplish great things at Villanova. I could see myself being there for four years. We both strive to be excellent academically.”
The sisters both are considering going into the medical field.
“Academics are very important to us, and their conference [Big East] is really good,” Elise said. “We had a really good connection with the coaches and the players.”
Elise called the recruiting process long and stressful.
“Being able to verbally commit before this upcoming season is very nice. We're feeling really good about where we're at,” she said. “To finalize things is a dream come true for both of us.”
Brooke agreed that the recruiting process was stressful, but rewarding.
“You realize how lucky you are to be in that situation,” she said, “because not everyone gets to go through the recruiting process, not everyone goes on to play college sports.”
Carter said she's humbled and proud to see their perseverance pay off.
“They committed and dedicated themselves to that and never waived,” Carter said.
The Generals have won three consecutive Northern Lakes League titles, two district championships, and one regional title since the Benders joined the program. The sisters led Anthony Wayne to the Division I state semifinals as freshmen in 2021-22 — the first final four appearances for the school's girls program.
Before the Benders head off to college, they will lead an Anthony Wayne group that will lose just one senior off a team that went 23-3 and reached the Division I regional semifinals.
“We're excited to have them back for one more go-round. They have been with us so long, it’s like they are synonymous with the AW Generals,” Carter said. “They've been an integral part of our success for several years dating back to the sixth grade. With this being their last year, it is bittersweet.”
The Generals have won 21 of their past 22 NLL games.
Watching the Bender sisters grow not only as basketball players but in life has been rewarding for Carter.
“We've experienced first-hand just how special they are. It's a once-in-a-career opportunity,” Carter said. “Day in and day out the drive they each have to be their very best and that impacts the other players.”
Elise holds school records for points in a season (560), points per game (22.4), free throws made (124), and free throws in a career. Elise also set the school record for blocks in a game (six) and tied the school record for most points in a game (34).
Brooke set school records in 3-pointers in a game (7) and season (53) and 3-point field goal percentage (43.4).
Carter has run out of adjectives to describe the sisters.
“What impresses me the most is the grace, poise, and humility they handle themselves with,” Carter said, “all the while having the competitive desire matched by no one.”
Elise, The Blade's player of the year, currently ranks seventh in Ohio high school history in two-point field goal percentage.
She has averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in her career,
Brooke, who also earned all-district first-team honors, has averaged 10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in her career.
“Winning a state title would be a dream come true,” Brooke said. “With our team, I feel like we can push each other to get there. We're really excited for where and what's to come.”
Brooke is a talented shooter from the outside. Elise, who has been an impact player since her freshman year, excels on the inside offensively.
“Elise has always been the player that we have looked at when we need a play,” Carter said. “At times, she has had to carry the team on her back.”
Brooke’s value can not only be seen in the highlights, but her unrecognized value is often understated.
“She is our coach on the floor and in the locker room, having the maturity and perspective to one minute loudly challenge a teammate then the next give a kind pat on the back and wink that everything is going to be OK,” Carter said.
Both sisters credited the Anthony Wayne community for helping them reach their goals.
“We've always had a great support system across all sports at the school,” Brooke said. “Everyone's families in the district are all very supportive of us. And our parents have been amazing. They've pushed us to become better and they've made a bunch of sacrifices so that we can be where we are.”
Carter will cherish the next few months.
“It amazes me the impact, beyond their talent on the basketball court, that these young ladies have had on myself, our staff, our program, and the AW our community,” Carter said.
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