Jan. 21, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - For basketball fans, Saint Joseph's matchup at Drexel this past November might have had people doing double takes. Hawks junior guard Christen Scanlon faced off against her twin sister Catherine.

Growing up as twins, both Christen and Catherine pushed each other's competitive nature.

"Being a twin is a hard thing because the level of competition is so much greater," Christen said. "One always wants what the other has."

Christen and Catherine were so competitive as children that the two decided to go to different high schools.

"Being on the same team and competing for the same position would have been way too hard," Christen said. "I think it was the best decision we ever made."

A four-year varsity member, Christen helped Archbishop Prendergast to a Catholic League title in 2001. As a senior, she earned Second Team honors.

Catherine, who chose to attend Cardinal O'Hara, was a three-time All-Catholic League Team selection and helped Cardinal O'Hara to two titles.

After four years of attending different school, both Christen and Catherine continue the trend into college. Catherine accepted a basketball scholarship to Drexel, while Christen earned a rowing scholarship to Saint Joseph's.

"We've never been attached at the hip," Catherine said. "It didn't happen in high school and it definitely wasn't going to happen in college."

Christen, who placed fourth at the high school rowing national championships, still had a passion for basketball and walked on the team her freshman season.

"I was just fortunate to have the opportunity to walk on this team," Christen said. "I am probably better at crew than basketball, but I just love it so much that I couldn't stop."

Despite seeing action in only one game as a freshman, Christen's love for the game continued to grow, forcing her to decide between rowing and basketball.

"I've really enjoyed crew and I really miss it, but it comes down to where my heart is," Christen said. "Basketball has been a part of my life for so long, that I want to be in it as much as possible."

Last season, there was a chance the two would meet when the Hawks and Dragons clashed. Even though the two never crossed paths, they would get a second chance this year.

Catherine scored 15 points in this year's matchup, helping the Dragons to their first ever victory over Saint Joseph's. Christen, who scored two points versus Drexel, will likely have a shot to even the score next season. And if that is not consolation enough, she can remind Catherine that she is four minutes older.