By Elizabeth Contreras

Stepping onto the varsity court intimidates most underclassmen. For Carl Albert sisters Annabel and Brynli Crawford, it felt natural.

The two freshmen have been playing side by side their entire lives, and now, sharing the varsity floor together has only strengthened that comfort level. Annabel said having her sister beside her makes the experience less overwhelming and more familiar, even when competing against older players.

“It’s really special,” Annabel said. “We’ve been playing together our whole lives, so stepping on the varsity court together feels very comfortable and less intimidating.”

Though they share the court, their games bring different strengths. Annabel describes herself as a presence of size and leadership, while Brynli brings tenacious physicality and fearlessness, battling in the post and welcoming contact.

“Brynli plays with physicality and aggressiveness, even against all the older girls,” Annabel said. “When she gets an offensive rebound and finishes an and-one, it motivates me and gets everyone hyped.”

Their connection shows most in pressure moments. Whether it’s a mistake or a tough stretch, the Crawford sisters are quick to support each other.

“After she makes a mistake, I remind her to forget about it and just keep playing,” Annabel said.

Their styles complement one another, blending strengths for impact when it matters most. Annabel and Brynli’s energy often sparks momentum for the entire group.

“In high-pressure moments, we try to always be calm,” Brynli added. “We look at each other and tell each other that we’ve got this and to be smart.”

Both sisters said that preparation has eased the transition to varsity competition and their competitiveness is just as evident in practice. Annabel said no one pushes them harder than each other, and Brynli admitted their intensity can sometimes spill over, a byproduct of caring deeply and wanting to get better.

“In practice, we’re really aggressive and competitive,” Brynli explained. “As we’ve gotten older, we’ve realized we need to compete with each other, not against each other.”

Away from the gym, their deep connection and love for the sport continues. At home, film sessions become honest conversations to break down mistakes and plan adjustments. Even their game-day routines reflect that shared rhythm, from extra shooting sessions to small superstitions they never break.

Despite their confidence, both were quick to recognize what they admire about each other. Annabel said she wishes she had Brynli’s fearlessness on the court, while Brynli said Annabel is one of the best passers she’s ever played with.

It is the respect they hold for one another that fuels their remarkable growth, and while they both have individual goals, their ambitions for the team are clear.

“We’re both working toward winning a state championship,” they said.

With seasons of varsity ball to go, they hope their journey continues after high school and onto the next level.

“We want to keep growing,” they said, “and hopefully play at the next level — with each other.”

For the Crawford sisters, their unbreakable bond and drive promise a future as fierce as their game.