LANCASTER – Aside from their obvious talents, the two senior shooting guards at the root of Lancaster's boys basketball revival have something else in common – similar first names.

"People are always getting us confused," said Takolby Jackson, speaking of himself and Jacolby Anderson. "We just laugh about it. I guess we kind of expect it."

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Jacolby Anderson, who averages 15.6 points, is quick to find his teammates breaking for the basket.

They were born a week apart, and many assume, incorrectly, the first names were by design.

"Totally random," said Anderson. "Our parents know each other now, but not then."

Count first-year Lancaster coach Ferrin Douglas among those confused at first.

He's shortened the names to Toby and Joby to try to eliminate communication problems.

Anderson and Jackson say they aren't named for any individual. Their parents just liked the names. They grew up blocks apart but didn't become acquainted until a sixth-grade physical education class.

They've been basketball teammates since seventh grade, both on school and summer teams, so dealing with confusion about first names is nothing new.

"They both have a great work ethic," said Douglas, who came to Lancaster from Madison, "and they love to go to the basket."

Lancaster's offense is designed to take advantage of the skills of the two good friends.

In a typical set, point guard Dearis Johnson in the center of the court has Anderson on the wing to his right and Jackson to his left.

When the ball goes to one, there's a good chance the other is on his way to the basket. Defenders have to pick them up at the 3-point line and can't turn their backs, because the two have an unspoken communication after all those seasons as teammates.

"I don't have to guess at where he's going to be," Jackson said. "I know."

They are just as lethal in Lancaster's half-court trapping defense. They crouch on the defensive side of the half-court line, ready to pounce when the dribbler makes the mistake of picking up the ball too quickly.

Sometimes, their jumping ability works against them.

"The thing I tell them over and over is to stay on the floor," said Douglas. "So many times, guys want to jump when a player fakes a pass."

When Anderson and Jackson jump, it takes them a while to come down. Jackson ranks among the Class 4A area's top 15 scorers with a 17.7 average. Anderson averages 15.6.

More important than individual statistics to Anderson and Jackson is Lancaster's return to the ranks of the best 4A programs in the area. Lancaster (18-5, 7-0 in District 15-4A) is No. 1 in SportsDay's Class 4A area rankings.

JOHN F. RHODES/DMN

Takolby Jackson (right) is quick to pounce on an opponent's mistake in Lancaster's trapping defense.

Both have been varsity starters since their sophomore seasons.

Lancaster was one of the area's most consistent Class 4A programs under coach Joe Rushing. In 25 seasons under Rushing, Lancaster's record was 653-158.

But in three seasons since Rushing retired in 2004, Lancaster went 61-37, despite a move from its old, cramped gym to Tiger Gymnasium, on the campus of the new high school.

"We wanted to see the program come back, especially since it is our senior year," Anderson said.

Along the way, the guards are making a name for themselves. If only everybody could keep the names straight.

TOBY AND JOBY