They have similar names and similar games.

Siblings Jaden and Jada Walker are making hoops news that spreads from Henrico High School on Azalea Avenue clear to Lexington, Ky.

Jaden is the 5-foot-10 junior point guard for Henrico High while his older sister by two years, Jada, plays a similar role as a 5-foot-7 freshman starter for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Both wear jersey No. 11.

Their basketball bloodlines are impeccable.

Their father, Jonathan Walker, was a Virginia Union University point guard in the late 1980s and still holds the Panthers’ record for most assists in a season. Mr. Walker played at VUU with the likes of NBA players-to-be A.J. English, Terry Davis and Jamie Waller.

Their mother, AnnMarie Gilbert, led NCAA Division III in scoring (31.3 points per game) at Oberlin College in Ohio and went on to become the ultra-successful women’s coach at VUU before leaving in 2020 after five season for another coaching job.

“I don’t remember exactly when I started playing, but I’m sure it was when I was a baby,” Jalen said. “I’ve had the benefit of always being out in front of the competition.”

Jalen made the Henrico High varsity as a freshman under Coach Vance Harmon. The Warriors opted out of the 2020-21season due to the pandemic.

This season, under Coach Nick Leonardelli, the junior is averaging 17 points, with a high of 29 points against Matoaca High School.

Perhaps his finest effort came Feb. 4 in the Warriors 61-54 victory over Highland Springs High School. The team trailed 30-11 before launching a remarkable comeback during the away game.

“Jaden is a dynamic guard with the unique ability to score and also be a playmaker,” Coach Leonardelli said. “Along with his natural ability, he’s an extremely hard worker with a tremendous attitude.”

With three straight wins, Henrico High started the week 13-6 overall and in contention for a top seed in the upcoming Class 4, Region B playoffs that start later this week.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Bluegrass Country, Jada Walker has emerged as a Freshman of the Year candidate in the Southeastern Conference.

After 18 games, Jada is averaging 11 points, with highs of 21 points against Louisiana State University and 15 points against the University of Georgia. She scored in double digits in 11 contests while logging more than 27 minutes per game for Coach Kyra Elzy.

Jada chose Kentucky over finalists Michigan, Arizona, North Carolina State and Mississippi State. The smooth left-hander played at three high schools, Highland Springs, New Hope Academy in Maryland and finally at Henrico High School. She was sensational at every stop and was quickly branded a high-end, NCAA Division I prospect after making first-team All Metro as a Highland Springs High freshman.

While at the Maryland school, Jada was MVP of the GEICO High School Nationals. She won just about every award possible on the prep level. Not surprisingly, now Jaden is heading in a similar direction.