The Gonzalez twins can do everything, but it’ll take more for Highland to win state

Defense.

That’s where it begins for the Highland girls’ basketball team.

Scoring is fun. Acrobatic, twisting layups and long-distance threes make the cut for Matt Gittins’ highlight show, but if the third-ranked Rams are going to claim the school’s fourth 5A state title, the first since 1987, they’ll do it like SEC football — defense, defense, defense.

“Defense has always been our main focus. ... We like to get out and get easy baskets,” said Rams’ head coach Tony Green, referring to how his girls create turnovers and then sprint down to the other end. “Defense is huge to create some offense.”

Now, when writing about the Highland Rams, it’s absolutely impossible not to mention the Kansas-bound Gonzalez twins.

It’d be like commenting on the Denver Broncos and ignoring Peyton Manning’s affect on the culture, or like discussing Bill Belichick and glazing over his constant sour demeanor.

Everything Highland does revolves around the deadly duo. What exactly do Dylan and Dakota provide on a nightly basis?

They guard every position on the floor, block shots, force turnovers and rebound. They fill the lanes on fast breaks, finish at the basket, spot up for threes, slash to the rim, draw fouls, play point guard and post up. They’re the vocal and emotional leaders of the team.

In other words, they do everything. You know how Lebron James was celebrated for his cerebral play in the 2012 NBA Finals? He defended all five positions on the court and fulfilled any role Miami required to win a championship.

It’s exactly what the Gonzalez twins do.

But they’re not the only players on Highland that are versatile. Jamiece Yizar’s athleticism, pugnacious attitude and willingness to fight down low in the post for rebounds is invaluable, and she’s able to easily defend guards or forwards.

Plus, the Rams have a very capable pass-first point guard in Makenzie Van Sickle — though replacing Timberly Bowie and her scoring punch is no easy task.

But what if I told you Highland’s ultimate fortunes might come down to its starting center, six-foot-one sophomore Emily Hancock.

Her ability to defend the paint and opposing teams’ post scorers frees up Yizar and the twins to rotate in the perimeter and apply Tony Green’s signature pressure on ballhandlers.

Because, remember, Highland is at its best when forcing turnovers so the twins can unleash their extensive talents in the open court.

If Hancock can play big down low and Van Sickle can handle the ball handling duties, the Rams can threaten to win state.     

But first things first. In the district opener Wednesday, the undefeated Rams travel to Idaho Falls to take on the undefeated Skyline Grizzlies.