They may be four years apart, but siblings Tom and Rachel Graf share a special bond that revolves around the game of basketball.

“We don't have too much in common,” Rachel said. “Basketball has brought us together.”

Rachel, a junior at Potsdam and a member of the school's basketball team, is one of the all-time leading scorers in Jordan-Elbridge history. She has also had a large hand in turning around the Potsdam women's basketball program.

“We used to be looked at as a walk in the park,” Rachel said. “Now we're a team that causes havoc. It's nice to know that teams worry about us now.”

Tom, who is four years younger than Rachel, currently plays for the Eagles and anticipates a college career much like his sister's. He's only a junior, but Tom is already receiving interest from Division III and a few Division II schools.

“It's hard to follow in her steps,” Tom said. “I just do what I can and be good. It's nice to be proud of her though.”

Rachel and Tom grew up playing basketball together - they'd play 2-on-1 games against their father when they were younger.

“I learned a lot from the two of them,” Tom said. “They taught me what I know during the pick-up games.”

And playing with his older sister wasn't the only thing that made Tom a better basketball player. Watching her succeed at the high school and college level also elevated his game.

“It was nice growing up with her as my older sister,” he said. “When we would play, I was always motivated more by her.”

The Graf family is competitive at just about everything and over the years the two siblings have taught each other certain tricks of the game. Tom has learned the ability to be humble, while Rachel has learned to maintain a positive attitude no matter what.

“Rachel has taught me to always work hard because there's someone out there that's better then you are,” Tom said.

Rachel is even Tom's biggest critic. She holds him to higher standards than anyone.

“I've always been critical of his game,” she said. “I hold him to set high goals. I see his potential and I want to see him do the best he can.”

A three-sport standout in high school, Rachel now appreciates basketball a little more. It's not only a common bond with her family members, it's the most challenging sport she's played.

“It involves the most teamwork out of either (softball or soccer). With softball, when your up to bat it's you versus the pitcher, whereas on the basketball court, it's solely five-on-five.”

She still has another semester left in her junior year and one thing Rachel would like to improve is her consistency.

“Some nights I might do well offensively but not defensively,” she said. “I want to change that.”

As for Tom, he's got plenty of unfinished business left in high school

“We're doing good this year but I'm looking forward to getting better for next year,” he said. “I just want to be remembered for the right things - doing the best I could and helping us win games.”