Metea Valley’s Lucy Burk and her younger sister, Annie, weren’t alive when Sister Sledge’s hit song “We Are Family” reached No. 2 on the pop charts in 1979.
But the tune’s lyrics epitomize the essence of what the Burks are contributing to the Mustangs this season.
“They’re sisters, so they bring in that camaraderie, that love of being on the team together and being on the court together,” Metea Valley coach Keith McIntosh said.
Lucy Burk, a 5-foot-5 senior who has played all over the floor by necessity for the Mustangs (1-10), and Annie Burk, a 5-7 sophomore guard, have grown up playing sports, although never together.
Basketball isn’t even the best sport for either of them. Lucy Burk, a strong and swift forward in soccer, helped Metea Valley’s girls team win its first state title when she was a sophomore and will play soccer at Northern Michigan. Annie Burk is an outside hitter in volleyball and played on Metea Valley’s JV team this fall in a strong program that also won its first state title two years ago.
McIntosh knows it’s valuable to have athletes with experience in elite-level programs, no matter the sport.
“It is because winning a state championship in soccer, Lucy knows what it takes to play good ball, whether it’s soccer or basketball,” McIntosh said. “She sees a lot of things on the basketball court.
“She dabbles here and there in a lot of the stuff that we do, so she brings a lot to the table. Outside of (point guard) Reese (Valha), she’s probably the straw that stirs us.”
The Burks play for the same travel program in basketball but aren’t on the same team. This is Annie Burk’s first season on varsity for the Mustangs, and she’s thrilled to have her sister there to guide her.
“I like playing with Lucy a lot because she understands how I play,” Annie Burk said. “If I’m not playing my best, I know I can always look at her and she’ll make me feel comfortable and help me get my energy back up.”
Winter is a busy time for Annie Burk, who is in the middle of club volleyball season. But she and Lucy Burk treasure their time together.
“It’s really fun,” Lucy Burk said. “Having her permanently on the team really helped me wanting to come to practice, and she’s looking forward going into it each day.”
Lucy Burk is a starter who is averaging 9.5 points and 3.0 rebounds. Annie Burk comes off the bench and is averaging 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds.
“Annie is learning slowly,” McIntosh said. “She’s a little up and down. But Annie sees everything. She probably sees more stuff developing on the court than even Lucy, so she’s capable.
“She’s not as offensive-minded as much as I would like her to be. She’d rather distribute the ball to somebody.”
Annie Burk had six points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in the Mustangs’ 56-41 home loss to Yorkville on Dec. 19. Lucy Burk added three points, two rebounds and two steals in that game.
The Burks were often on the floor together and did produce some highlights. In the third quarter, Annie Burk scored on a runner in the lane. Seconds later, Lucy Burk made a steal and converted a layup.
Those glimpses of brilliance are encouraging for the undersized and inexperienced Mustangs, who haven’t had much to celebrate. McIntosh said they were set back by not having a full roster during the summer and are learning on the fly.
But with the Burks, things aren’t all cloudy.
“I think Annie is somewhat the life of the team,” Lucy Burk said. “She brings a lot of smiles during practice and brings a lot of laughter and joy.”
That’s important for Lucy Burk, who uses basketball as a getaway from the pressures of soccer.
“It’s a really good break from the constant grinding,” she said. “It’s nice to go into a sport where I know I can have fun and especially have my best friend alongside.”
Which is not to say the Burks aren’t trying to win. They bring competitive fire to the court, as does Valha, a star on Metea Valley’s softball team.
“I enjoy playing high school, and I take it seriously,” Annie Burk said. “Last season I was on JV, so I’m developing my skills and understanding how to be able to play on varsity.
“We have a very welcoming community of a team, and it makes you feel like a family.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
