By: Jack McGinn and Will Schiffman

Mike and Matt Doherty are twin brothers and freshmen at Westborough High School. They hope to be  members of the Westborough varsity basketball team this year.  Even though these two are only 5’9”, Mike explains, “What we lack in height we make up for in talent.” The brothers are very accomplished, having played in six division-1 state championships.

The Doherty brothers have been playing basketball since third grade, when their mom forced them into playing. Looking back at it, they say it was one of the best parenting decisions she ever made. Their father has helped coach them with their various teams. Their sister Kaylie is currently a senior and captain on the varsity volleyball team; she is also a captain of the girls’ varsity basketball team. Their older brother Kevin is a WHS alum and was a captain of the varsity basketball team as a senior. It’s safe to say that basketball runs in the family.

Matt and Mike played five years of travel basketball in Westborough. They had a very successful experience, with a combined 55 wins and 12 losses in division 1 over the five years. They won the MetroWest Division 1 championship in both sixth and eighth grade. When asked how travel basketball helped him grow as a player, Matt said, “ Without it we wouldn’t be anywhere near as good as we are today. We met many new friends, having just moved here in fourth grade. It was an amazing experience and we will cherish the memories we made forever.”

The brothers have had to overcome many obstacles and letdowns to get where they are today. Matt found out he tore his rotator cuff in August of 2014, but played through it just in time to help lead his team to a MetroWest championship. Matt had surgery in late March and had to sit on the sidelines watching Mike carry their AAU team to a national tournament. Matt recovered earlier than anyone thought was possible to play in one of their national tournament games at The Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Matt often says finding out about his injury was by far his biggest letdown. Mike’s biggest disappointment was losing in the state championship not once, but five times in a row.

Matt and Mike have very high hopes for their high school basketball careers. They believe their success throughout middle school basketball will prepare them for high school. Mike says their overall goal is to “bring the first state championship to Westborough High School,” and Matt agrees.