Conzemius country: towering twins leaving mark on breck sports

• Photo By Robert Wanek Jr.

• By Robert Wanek Jr.

​On January 27th 2003, Grace and Anthony Conzemius were welcomed to the world. The twin siblings have spent 17 years together in Breckenridge. Now, they enter their senior seasons as highly touted athletes looking to leave their separate marks on the hardwood. Although they bare a striking resemblance to each other, a closer look reveals a uniquely separate brand of basketball and personality that sets them apart.

I took a look at their sibling story and how it’s effected their lives on and off the court.

“There was never a dull moment growing up with Anthony; he’s always kept me on my toes,” Grace said. “Growing up we would make a competition out of almost everything, and we still do. I always remind him that I am three minutes older than him and that I won the first race.”

That joking candor can quickly dive into a competitive battle between the two, but when you’re bonded from birth, it’s all love.

“We were always competitive and able to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses in everything we do. It’s like we could read each other’s minds — we definitely had that twin instinct,” Anthony said. “Our biggest competition is who can get to the bathroom first in the morning.”

Both athletes are quintessential grinders, go-getters who share the best interest of their respective programs. Grace will give you gaudy numbers on the glass, as she owns the single-season Cowgirls’ rebound record with over 270. Anthony’s shot-blocking skills often set up his teammates for easy baskets on the other end. It’s the hard work that seems like easy work for these towering twins. 

“I may not be the high scorer every game, but I would be the one who steps up with a blocked shot at the right time, or force a key turnover. That’s the real highlight for me,” Anthony said. “It’s a full team effort and that’s what gets me excited.”

Nicknamed “Big Red” because of his skyscraper stature and hue of his hair, Anthony is the 6’8” flamboyant forward Breckenridge desires. He’s been known to celebrate following his improbable three-pointers off the glass. He’s a lively character on the bench as well, motivating his teammates and keeping Breckenridge’s battery charged. There’s certain players who have “The edge,” so to speak, and that’s Tony. 

Grace and Anthony celebrating their fourth birthday.

Grace also plays volleyball • Photo by Carol Colby

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I □ you Big Red! Anthony Conzemius buries the trifecta w/ a hand in his face! The Breckenridge sophomore has size and athleticism. #BanksOpen□ pic.twitter.com/tCOUyxZJpP

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) January 5, 2019

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Breckenridge's Anthony Conzemius is becoming a weapon as his junior season rolls along. He put up 12 pts (6/8 FG), 8 reb, 4 blk against a super talented DGF team. #BigRed

□□ □ pic.twitter.com/B5deapMtLE

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) February 12, 2020

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• Photo by Erica Rezac Photography

​“There isn’t a lot of style to me, but I do like to show my excitement. I like to set the tone of a game, and that seems to motivate others to do the same,” Anthony said. “I’ve always been the type of person, even growing up, who was willing to step up and do the dirty work.”

Grace is more even keeled on the court, showing little emotion in victory or defeat. Even during a junior season in which she averaged a double-double of 11.2 points and 10.1 rebounds, it was done quietly and efficiently at 55% shooting from the field. Grace keeping her nose to the grindstone is something she credits to the support of her mother, Jennifer.

“Since she was an athlete, I could always go to her about sports. She’s taught me hard work and determination, so I’m very grateful for my mother,” Grace said. 

Anthony kept sharp during the coronavirus shutdown by shooting hoops at St. John’s gym where his mother often rebounded for him. Anthony’s biggest inspiration is his father, Clint, a successful businessman and a perennial hard worker decades in the making.

“It’s funny that the person who inspires me most didn’t really push me toward playing basketball at all. Yet, he teaches me how to be the hardest worker in life — not just athletics,” Anthony said. “He ran three businesses when he was just 30 years old and he’s the calmest person I know.”

Anthony tested the AAU basketball waters with West Central United this offseason, competing alongside athletes from Perham, Montevideo, Paynesville, Ashby, and Fergus Falls. He hopes the diversity of players on that squad will help him evolve as a basketball player.

"I had to understand how people move differently, run plays differently, and how to support each other no matter which ways we were different. I’ll never forget the experience," Anthony said. "Each guy was unique in their own way and had their own unique talents. I feel honored to have been asked to be a part of their team."

Grace's dominance on the low block may now be paired with an improved shooting touch away from the hoop. As scary as she is around the basket, she hopes her offensive arsenal will stretch the floor much deeper as a senior scorer. 

"I have been shooting more outside shots around the perimeter. I have been improving footwork and finishing at the rim. I've practiced new post moves and footwork. I've worked on many parts of my game to become a more versatile player," Grace said.

While Anthony's improved individual game is a focal point, his team's success remains number one on his 2020 agenda. 

"Our goal is to compete in the Section Championship game and play at our highest level when it comes to playoffs," Anthony said. "My goal is for our team to work together and not worry about any drama going on around us. We can’t allow ourselves to get distracted."

​When asked about her favorite Cowgirl basketball player of all time, Grace pointed to a hard worker and consummate team player --- Lauren Johnson.

"She was a senior when I was a sophomore, and always came to practice with a smile," Grace said. "She was a very hard worker and always hustled for loose balls and sprinted down the court. Lauren and I frequently would stay after practice and get some shots up. She would do anything for the team to make it better and always had a positive attitude."

Anthony's favorite player is Breckenridge's record-setting, and more importantly, example-setting leader --- Noah Christensen.
 
"I look up to him because he’s a great friend and a good person, he has a lot of energy, and he builds people up when they are down," Anthony said. "In a game, he does the dirty work that others don’t want to do. You can’t break him down, because he always gets back up. He has a true winning attitude. That’s what I strive to be."

For these two blooming Breckenridge athletes, reflecting on their childhood is becoming more important in a turbulent year full of twists and turns. After all, high school zooms by in the blink of an eye.

"There are so many memories growing up, it’s hard to choose one," Anthony said. "A lot of our memories have to do with water activities, whether it was hanging out with our friends at the Breck pool or going to the lakes and jumping off the pontoon. We were always outside doing something. As redheads, we had to watch out for sunburns though!"

Being able to laugh and learn, yet compete with tenacity --- That's what makes these twins so special.

Anthony and Grace will continue to use their blessed upbringing to remain positive during an uncertain senior season. After graduation, Grace plans to go into nursing, or a career elsewhere in the health and medicine field. Anthony plans to attend college and go into the business field. Both athletes have a desire to play basketball at the next level.

Grace was the 2019 Breck Sports Talk Co-Athlete of the Year.