Labson Abwoch and Thiwat Thiwat emigrated to the United States with their families before they were old enough to go to school. Now they are hoping to carry Deering High to a Class A basketball state championship.

They are Deering’s twin towers, even though the Rams will be the shorter team against Hampden Academy tonight at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Both juniors, Abwoch and Thiwat match up well with Hampden’s inside players in height and talent. It’s the rest of the team where the Broncos have a decided height advantage.

Still, Deering’s chances of winning the Gold Ball likely will hinge on how well the 6-foot-6 Abwoch and the 6-foot-4 Thiwat play and how effective they are staying out of foul trouble.

Abwoch and Thiwat, both from Sudan, came to the United States with their families at different times but both at a young age — Abwoch was 9 months old, Thiwat was 4 years old. Being so young, they have no memories of their homeland, which has been involved in civil war for years. They assimilated early on in language, culture and love of sports, especially basketball.

“I feel we’ve had an easier time adapting to this country than others because we came here so young,” said Abwoch.

Abwoch and Thiwat went to different grammar schools. They became teammates and soon best friends at Lincoln Middle School.

“I’m glad we came to this country because if I had known Labson in Sudan, we wouldn’t have been able to be friends,” said Thiwat. “We were from different tribes and would have had to fight. Sudan is a war-torn country.”

Thiwat’s mother and two brothers live in Ethiopia. He lives with his father in Portland. “My mother wants me to come visit her,” he said.

Both players have strong support systems. Abwoch’s family is here. Thiwat has a mentor.

Bonnie Kam, a retired assistant principal at Windham High who lives in Portland, has been Thiwat’s mentor since he was in the third grade. She sees him regularly and makes sure he has what he needs, from helping with schoolwork to providing rides.

“I feed him, clothe him and love him,” said Kam. “Thiwat takes all college prep courses and does well. I’m here to provide the inspiration.”

“I call her my grandmother,” said Thiwat.

Abwoch doesn’t have a mentor, but Coach Dan LeGage and his assistants serve that role in an unofficial capacity.

“Whatever support a player needs, we’re there for them,” said LeGage. “People ask me why I need six coaches. This is why. To make sure the players have what they need. It could be support on homework, making sure they’re fed properly or have a buddy system in place. I believe it’s an extension of the actual coaching part.

“When things aren’t going well for them, you try to be a better listener. When things are going well, you continue to teach. Coaching goes beyond winning or losing.”

LeGage said the team is close and players look out for each other.

Abwoch has been a starter since the beginning of his sophomore year. Thiwat was on the junior varsity at the start of last season. He moved up to varsity later in the year and impressed.

“We had several games in a row at the end of last season because of snow,” said LeGage. “Against Marshwood, Thiwat scored 12 points and had eight rebounds. From then on he played a lot.

“Thiwat had a great summer and teams were a lot more aware of him.”

Abwoch has improved steadily and gotten stronger, said LeGage. Naturally strong, Thiwat needs to improve his agility, said the coach.

“Their weaknesses are the other’s strengths,” said LeGage. “Labson has improved his strength but needs to get stronger. Thiwat is as strong a player as there is in the SMAA. We want him to get more agility, and work on his speed and quickness.”

Both want to play in college on scholarship. Win or lose today, Deering will have them for another season.

“It’s going to be nice to have them back,” said LeGage.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH