ST. REGIS – Ashley Cheesman, a member of the St. Regis Lady Tigers, comes from a big sports family. Since most of her family has played sports, it was almost expected she and her sister Courtney would join the school’s team too.

The sisters recently came back from playing in the Divisional Tournament in Billings. The experience in sports has been very positive for their relationship. Ashley said she liked having her little sister, on the team. She said the sports forged a stronger bond between them and intensified their friendship. While they have always been close, high school sports have made them closer.

Ashley said Courtney was never very into basketball growing up, but her opinion changed this year. The sport has become something new they can share and have in common. Being a veteran to the game, Ashley has also been able to help guide Courtney.

“We just kind of push each other’s boundaries, try and make each other better all the time,” Ashley said.

Sports are something she only shares with her sister during the school seasons. Ashley is not a big sports player out of school and is not as interested in playing them outside the season. However, the relationship the game has formed is strong as ever once they are off the court.

Even though Ashley did not have much interest in playing, she still liked basketball and decided to try playing. When the family moved to St. Regis while Ashley was in seventh grade, she decided to join the team. She has been part of it every year since.

As members of the same family, the chance existed for people to unwittingly set a yardstick for future players to live up to. Ashley was not worried and said they were each building a reputation on their own merits.

“We’re all pretty individual from one another,” Ashley said. “But we all know we’re going to play. If you’re part of our family, you play sports.”

The sisters also played together on the volleyball team earlier this year. Like with basketball season, the volleyball team made it to divisionals in the fall sports season. The victories were especially meaningful since the sisters shared them and had the games as a bonding moment.

“I like having my little sister play sports with me,” Ashley said. “It’s kind of really nice.”

Another generation is already preparing to join the basketball team and the family sport. The girls are the only kids in her immediate family, but they have cousins in the lower grades of the school who will likely join the high school team once they are old enough.

Ashley said she and Courtney both plan to play basketball and volleyball again next year. While the 2014-2015 season will be her last year, Ashley said she expected Courtney will play throughout high school. She is looking forward to the next season and predicts it will be a good year.

“I see us going really, really far,” Ashley said.