HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Mount Vernon pair close on, off the court

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By Claire Pettinger, Mount Vernon junior

MOUNT VERNON - Mount Vernon starters Tom Hook and Connor Herrmann started their basketball careers in the third grade.

The two have been best friends ever since.

They have played for the the past seven years on various team, always together - from parks and rec all the way to starting on the varsity their sophomore year.

"It helps a lot because we know where each other will be on the court and we know each other's game," Hook said. "It also helps that our team is friends off the court. It creates very good team chemistry on the court."

These comments are reflected in each game they play - and even in the halls at school.

The long-time friendship of Herrmann and Hook has aided in the success of this year's team, which came up a win short of advancing to next week's state tournament.