JAY — What are the odds that two basketball players from the same high school would go on to play the sport at the same college?

That is precisely what Spruce Mountain High School seniors Nicole Hamblin and Anthony York will be doing when they play basketball next winter for the Central Maine Community College Mustangs of Auburn. They are looking forward to the experience.

“I’m very lucky to get the opportunity,” Hamblin said. “Once high school’s over, you miss it, so getting the opportunity to play in college will be fun.”

“Like Nicole said, I’m really lucky to have that opportunity to play,” York said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. And then to have someone I actually know to travel with, it will be fun.”

Hamblin received a recruiting letter from CMCC in the spring of 2014. During her high school career, she helped the Phoenix to a 71-1 regular-season record, including a perfect 36-0 at home. According to a press release, CMCC women’s basketball coach Andrew Morong felt that she would be a great fit for the CMCC program. Nicole also feels that CMCC is the right fit for her.

“It’s close to home and I’m saving money,” she said. “I’m going to get my associate’s degree in life science. It’s a new program this year.”

Hamblin said that after receiving her associate’s degree, she will go to a bigger school for dental hygiene.

York anchored the Phoenix’ boys inside game at center, helping Spruce Mountain to four straight winning seasons and subsequent playoff appearances. When asked about why he chose CMCC, he said: “They have criminal justice there. There’s not many schools that have criminal justice and a basketball team. I’ll save money and be close to home.”

York admitted that at first, he didn’t want to play basketball in college, especially after the Phoenix suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Western Class B quarterfinals this past winter.

“The pain of losing in the playoffs and having it cut short really stunk,” he said. “Meeting with the coach there (Dave Gonyea at CMCC) really helped.”

York credited Phoenix coach Scott Bessey for helping with the recruiting process.

To prepare for the 2015-16 college basketball season, Nicole said she will “lift weights, get running again, and get in shape.” The Mustangs will play pick-up games this summer to sharpen their skills for the season.

York said he will also be “working on my game, not letting it slide, and staying in shape,” to get ready.

bmatulaitis@sunmediagroup.net