Staff writer
Growing up as fraternal twins, Cacey and Ty Simons have always been close. They are supportive of each other in whatever each chooses to do. The seniors are honor students at Centre High School and are involved in many of the same activities.
Both are members of FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, student council, and drama club. Both have been class officers all four years of high school. Ty is vice president this year, and Cacey is student council representative. In addition, Ty is serving as student body president and Cacey is student body treasurer.
The twins have been involved in sports almost their entire lives. Their favorite sport is basketball. They have been playing the game since third grade, first on teams in the Marion Recreation League, then in junior high and high school. They have won numerous honors for their outstanding play.
Both have been starters all four years of high school. Ty was the team leader in every category this season. He averaged 24.4 points and almost 10 rebounds per game.
Ty said he will never forget the day after his Grandpa Warren Barton died last month, when he was crowned winter homecoming king and scored an individual record of 41 points. He has been the leading scorer almost every game this season.
Cacey is one of the leading scorers on the girls’ team. She set an individual record of 27 points last Thursday against Solomon. During her high school career, she averaged 11.6 points per game, made 82 three-point shots, and accumulated 12 double-doubles, with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each game. She has averaged 12.9 points per game so far this season.
“Cacey is more than just a scorer, she is a complete player,” Coach Alan Stahlecker said. “She is a delight to have on the team as she encourages all players and sets a good example of how to work hard to achieve your goals.”
Going to the state basketball tournament two years in a row are tops on her list of career highlights. She is hoping her team will earn the chance this week to compete at state for the third time.
The twins were born at Spearville on May 8, 1996.
“Ty is older by 14 minutes,” Cacey said.
They moved to Lincolnville with their parents, Clay and Sharon Simons, at age 3, living close to their Barton grandparents.
There was a period of time in elementary school when Ty was shorter than his sister. She enjoyed teasing him about that.
“We’ve done our fair share of fighting,” Ty admitted.
They are uncertain about what the future holds for them. Both are hoping to get the chance to play basketball in college.
They are thankful for the support they have received from parents, grandparents, coaches, and teachers. Most of all, they will always cherish the mutual support they get from each other.