Derrick and Kevin Bond aren't always the players who are at the top of their team's box score, but the brothers have been satisfied with their roles flying beneath the radar.

But, the Bonds have been partial contributors in the scoring column to the Roughies program this winter, however, they have been steady suppliers to the team's supplemental statistics, such as rebounds and blocked shots.

Consequently, the brothers have really walked softly and carried a big stick.

Now, they will carry their mantra as an integral part of the Roughies' ride into the district playoffs.

"Both of them have made a huge difference for us this season," said head coach Eric Snyder. "They are both very quiet and very level headed. Both of them work very hard on and off the floor, and they don't get emotional.

"They have hit some big shots for us and do all of the little things for us out there."

Derrick, a senior, has played both in the backcourt and frontcourt for the Roughies, as has been effective with his three-point shot. The older Bond hit a key trey against Northampton that kept his team in the game and a winning shot beyond the arc against Southern Lehigh.

Kevin, a sophomore, has steadily become a force down low for the Roughies, as he has been relentless defensively and continues to build a reputation as one of the area's premier shot blockers.

Growing up, both brothers have benefitted from each other's strengths and weaknesses, and they are currently enjoying logging minutes together on the court, something they didn't do much in the past.

"We played some pickup basketball together in the past, but this is really the first time on varsity," said Kevin. "When I first came up to the varsity, I was nervous, but (Derrick) helped me get used to everything.

"I have always tried to be like my brother my whole life. He just goes out there and does what he is supposed to do."

Derrick has also enjoyed playing with his brother and has been more focused on the team's immediate future as any game at this point of the season could be his last as a Roughie.

"The season really went as I thought it would," said Derrick. "We just go out there and take one game at a time. We have had some ups and downs, but we came together at the end of the season. We were in a pretty good groove heading into the post season.

"This has been a fun year because we seniors have played together for a long time and we know each other well."

As far as blocking shots, both Bonds don't have any specific formulas or practices.

"Kevin and I both have long arms and that helps," said Derrick. "Most of this comes naturally and it is just a matter of timing. It comes more natural to (Kevin) and he is really good at it. We have always tried to block shots and it seems like it is getting easier for us.

"I don't' really think there is anything special that we do," added Kevin. "It is timing for us and we have been playing the game since we were both three or four."

If the Roughies won their opening game against North Schuylkill, which took place Wednesday after Press deadline, they will likely be bound for another rematch with top-seeded Notre Dame in the district final. The Roughs, of course, lost to the Crusaders last year in the finals. Notre Dame defeated the Roughies in their meetings during the regular and postseason over the past two years, which also includes this year's Colonial League final.

"It doesn't matter who we play," said Derrick, who downplayed the fact that Notre Dame has haunted them the past two years. "When we lost to them last year (district final), we made it a goal to beat them in the district final. We're hoping to get a rematch.

"We just want to keep playing and do whatever it takes for us to be successful."