“It’s incredible how much closer we’ve become this year,” Robbie added. “We’re always together.”
As a family, their father, Jay Stenzel said, basketball isn’t always the dominating topic of discussion.
“We don’t really talk about basketball (a lot),” Jay said. “They usually do their own thing with Xbox, their girlfriends and stuff. They try to leave (basketball) on the court, come home and have a normal family life.”
However, it’s common for the two brothers to tease each other every now and then.
“They aggravate each other,” mother Ann Stenzel said with a smile. “They tease each other, but they get along great. They’re really good friends.”
The friendly trash talking involves basketball.
“I can joke about his turnovers, and he can joke about my air balls,” Robbie said with a laugh.
Jay, a former standout performer at Berea College, said his two sons are “great in their own way.”
“They’re unique,” Jay said. “Robbie has always been a scorer, and Bopper is a very savvy point guard. I don’t think one is better than the other. They have their own traits.”
As for Robbie’s talents, Bopper said his brother is “smart, can shoot and can score anytime he wants.”
“He’s just a good player,” he said with a smile. “I love playing with him.”
Robbie added that Bopper is the “best point guard” he’s ever played with, a list that includes an impressive array of ball handlers in both the prep and AAU ranks.
“He’s just tough,” he said. “He hustles on every play on offense and defense, and he’ll do whatever you want him to do. He’ll dive on the floor, he’ll guard, and he will bring the ball up (the floor). He’s incredible bringing the ball (up the court).”
Bopper sat out the season last year, recovering from a season-ending knee injury. He suffered a torn meniscus during preseason workouts, but spent his entire sophomore season rehabilitating the knee in preparation for his junior campaign.
During the recovery process, Bopper received support from his younger brother.
“I’m happy for Bopper,” Jay added. “He’s worked hard to get there, and I think he would have helped (the team) out last year when he had knee surgery right before the season and it took forever to heal from that.”
Like Bopper, Robbie has enjoyed the experience of playing alongside his brother during his final season with the Cardinals.
“It’s awesome,” Robbie said. “It’s not just that he’s my brother, but he’s the best point guard I’ve ever played with. I’ll remember this (season) for the rest of my life.”
Contact Keith Taylor at ktaylor@winchestersun.com.
