Xavier siblings are rivals, supporters

CEDAR RAPIDS - For those who watched Xavier's girls' or boys' basketball teams play last week against Kennedy, they saw Meghan and Jackson Joens lead their teams in scoring.

Meghan scored seven points in the girls' 47-25 loss to the Cougars and Jackson scored 17 points in the boys' 62-46 loss.

That the two were leading scorers for their teams is not a surprise for those who grew up around the Joens family - or those who drove by the family house when the siblings were younger. The two were always in the driveway playing basketball, older sister versus younger brother.

'When we were younger we always played one-on-one in the driveway,” Meghan said. 'I think that really helped us form a lot of our physical and mental toughness. The games got really aggressive most of the time.”

They grew up always challenging each other in sports and beyond. They are each other's biggest rivals and biggest supporters.

'We have always had a rivalry because we both don't want to lose,” Jackson said. 'On the other hand, I love seeing her succeed. She works really hard in everything, so she deserves it.”

Meghan has given Jackson more than just cuts, scratches and bruises from their sibling rivalry. She also has taught him life lessons.

'Meghan has taught me to give 110 percent in everything I do. She always pushes me to be the best I can be,” Jackson said.

The lessons do not only go older sibling to younger one. Meghan has learned just as much from her younger brother.

'I think he has taught me to never give up on myself,” Meghan said. 'When I am struggling in a game or just having a bad day, his advice always seems to come to mind.”

Meghan has played varsity basketball since her sophomore year, and she owns the Xavier shot put and discus records. Both her mom and Jackson knew she was going to thrive in varsity athletics from a young age.

'I knew Meg was going to be a good player since fourth grade,” their mother, Jeanne Joens, said. 'She got hit in the nose by a girl and got very aggressive after that.”

Jackson describes Meghan in a similar light.

'When Meghan played for the Bulldogs she was always an aggressive player and from a young age she could score at will,” he said.

Jackson also thrived at basketball from a young age. He played for the Barnstormers, traveling around the country for tournaments.

'Jackson has always been one of the taller kids in his grade so that helps,” Jeanne said. 'Even in the winter he would shovel a path to the hoop so he could shoot.”

Meghan and Jackson have been rivals, enemies, supporters and friends. They challenged each other growing up and that seems to be paying off on the varsity level.

One thing is for certain, they will always be connected by the basketball hoop in front of their house.