Allderdice has four sets of twins who are part of the team. They are Davaughn and Javaughn Moultrie; a pair of 6-foot-2 seniors, 5-9 juniors Keith and Kenny Robinson and 6-1 sophomores Jim and Tim Jackson. But, their athleticism was no match for the experience and size of the Hampton’s Luther twins.
Ryan Luther is a 6-foot-8 forward, and is only the second WPIAL or City League player to sign with Pitt during Jamie Dixon era. Schenley’s DeJuan Blair was the first. Ryan scored 16 points in Hampton (23-4) 58-43 victory over City League champion Allderdice (19-6) PIAA Class AAAA first-round playoff game Saturday at Obama Academy.
But, it was his twin brother Colin who caused the most problems for the Dragons. Colin, a 6-foot-7 point guard, is one of the top defenders in the WPIAL who takes advantage of his size and his left-handed jumper is deadly.
The Dragons, who won the City League by upsetting previously undefeated Obama Academy, jumped out to an early 9-8 lead and had their site set on upsetting the 3-time WPIAL runner-ups. But, give the Talbots defense a ton of credit because for the most part they held the talented twins in check.
For the game, Allderdice shot only 33 percent (14 of 43) from the field and 30 percent (6 of 20) from 3-point range and had its lowest offensive output this season.
Dragons Point guard Juwan Ledbetter has a fraternal twin, Jalen, who keeps the scorebook and was probably the most productive twin for Allderdice on Saturday.
The Dragons defeated a number of WPIAL teams this season including Woodland Hills, Summit Academy, Peters Township, Blackhawk, so they must have been disappointed to end the season shooting poorly.
The one other factor that enters the PIAA playoffs is the long layoff since the last game. The Dragons had to wait two weeks and ‘Twinsanity’ looked rusty.
“It’s not all about ‘Twinsanity,’” said super sophomore James Jackson. “ It’s about the team. We win as a team and lose as a team.”
The Talbots and Dragons boys basketball team have reached the PIAA playoffs with similar styles; effective offenses and shut-down defenses. But Allderdice was held to 20 points below their season average.
“We put God first. We were down but we always believed that we could come back,” said Davaughn Moultrie. “The media never gave us a chance but we always believe and we came here to fight. We are always going to fight. It just wasn’t our day. We were not intimidated. We play most of these guys in AAU ball.”
Since the Luther twins, Ryan and Colin, put on varsity uniforms at Hampton High School three years ago, the Talbots had won 85 games, many by blowouts.
Close games leave much to the imagination, especially in a sport with as many moving parts as basketball.
“I just tried to let the game come to me and get some easy baskets,” said Pitt recruit Ryan Luther. “I would love to play in college with my brother and have over family at the game cheering for each other. But, right now we would like another shot at New Castle.”
Tenth-grader Ramon Creighton led the Dragons with 16 points.
Despite the loss, the future looks bright for Allderdice with three sophomores and a junior starter returns.
James and Tim Jackson potential for greatness are limitless, but it’s up to them to fulfill. This is a team that is built to win a PIAA State championship.
In basketball circles, ‘Twinsanity’ has a chance for an undefeated season and to be mentioned with all the legendary teams.
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