Maybe it has to do with sharing the womb for nine months, but there’s just something about twins that sets them apart. 

They know each other’s tendencies, know where the other one is at all times, and have this unspoken bond that unites them in anything they do. Sounds like the perfect fit for the basketball court. 

At Msgr. McClancy H.S., East Elmhurst, fraternal twins Layla and Maleah Wagner, 16, form the backcourt for the Crusaders varsity girls’ hoops team. The junior guards grew up in the Sunnyside/Woodside area and played Catholic Youth Organization hoops for St. Sebastian. 

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This is the third season these twins have played for the McClancy varsity squad. Layla, a point guard, has been a team captain for two years, while this is the first year as a captain for Maleah, a shooting guard. Layla is a two-time Tablet All- Star, while Maleah received the nod after last season. 

The Wagners started playing basketball when they were 4 years old. Their older brother, Jelani, played high school basketball at St. John’s Prep in Astoria and collegiately at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Orangeburg, New York. Hence, the basketball gene runs in the family. 

“Basketball, in my opinion, is the most competitive sport, so being able to play it every day and being part of a team also makes it so much better,” said Layla. 

“I get to play with other people and bond with other teammates who become friends and family,” Maleah said. 

A basketball team undoubtedly takes on a family feel. The student-athletes probably spend more time with their teammates than with their own families. So at least for the Wagners, one of their teammates is an actual family member — and a close one at that. 

McClancy has been an excellent fit for the twins, as they each felt at home since the moment they walked through the doors at the open house. Both in the classroom and on the basketball court, the Wagners have thoroughly enjoyed their high school experience. 

Crusaders head varsity girls’ coach Dewey Hopkins has coached the program since the school went co-ed in 2012. He coached a pair of sisters in his tenure, but never a set of twins until now. 

“They play great together,” said Hopkins, who grew up in Corpus Christi Church, Woodside, and now attends Immaculate Conception Church, Astoria. “They know where each other are on the court at all times. They can just throw the ball in a direction and know their sister is going to be there. They’re both leaders of the team, and it’s nice to have seen them grow since they came in as freshmen.” 

On the floor, these two lead a competitive team that sits atop the CHSAA ‘AA’ division. Combined, Layla and Maleah are averaging right around 40 points per game, which paces a talented McClancy offensive attack.

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Playing together their whole lives has given the Wagners a noticeable advantage. They feed off each other constantly in ways that can only be described as telepathic. 

“Basketball is not an individual sport,” Layla said. “Once you learn how to feed off of your teammates, especially your sister, it brings an amazing feeling to your game and the team in general.” 

“Playing with my sister has always given me an upper hand,” Maleah said. “I already know where she’s going to be. If I’m down, I just have someone who knows me very well. Playing with her, I feel way better.” 

Sure, as sisters, there’s the standard sibling rivalry. As competitive as they are with each other, that, in turn, helps the overall team, since they’re always trying to get better. Even during one-on-ones in practice, these two stop at nothing to make sure they win against their sister. 

Yet in the big picture, the twins are carving out lasting memories with their absolute best friend. They both agreed that they wouldn’t trade being a twin for anything. 

“It’s the best thing I could ever ask for,” Layla said. “Playing a sport, especially during hard times, you know there’s someone to lean on. To be able to bond over your most favorite thing in the world, it’s so rewarding and amazing.” 

“Having her on and off the court is a blessing,” Maleah said. “I can always count on her to be there for me and support me. It’s honestly the best. I wish everyone would be lucky enough to have a sibling, especially a twin, because it’s awesome.” 

The Wagners still have another year before seeing what’s in store for college. They both hope to be in the best situation possible and would be open to splitting up, even though they’ve been teammates since they were toddlers. 

But for now, this dynamic duo is leading the charge as the Crusaders have their sights set on a CHSAA title.