Trenton Catholic Academy senior guards Dondre Whitmore, left, and Frantz Massenat are four-year starters (Craig Haley photo).

You don’t think of Frantz Massenat without thinking of Dondre Whitmore. You don’t think of Dondre Whitmore without thinking of Frantz Massenat. And the two senior guards from Trenton Catholic Academy’s dynamic boys’ basketball team enjoy that notion.

The way coach Fred Falchi has built the program up to this season’s top 10 status among New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association schools starts with Massenat and Whitmore. Both players, comfortable at either guard spot, have been starters throughout all four of their seasons at TCA. They have been the face of the program during that time.

Basketball in summer camps and the AAU level was their original bond – Massenat is from Trenton Catholic schools and Whitmore originally the Northern Burlington school district – but they have become inseparable at TCA.

As the Iron Mikes (15-2) head into this weekend’s Prime Time Shootout at the Sun National Bank Center, the 5-foot-9 Whitmore, with 1301 career points, is two shy of Camerron Taylor for second place on TCA’s all-time scoring list (and 185 shy of Mark Bass for first place). Massenat, who has the more well-rounded game and the 6-3 height, needs 58 more points for 1,000.

Massenat has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Drexel University this fall. Whitmore is probably heading the junior college route, with Harcum College a strong candidate, before matriculating at a four-year school. For them, their time together at TCA has probably flown by, although, to others, the many wins that they have helped TCA rack up, show their longevity on the varsity level.

The best way to get to know them just might be to ask them about each other, which is what “In the Huddle” did this week in separate interviews.

What is the best part of his game?

Massenat: I think the best part of Dondre’s game is he’s so aggressive offensively. Since we were younger, he’s always been a scorer, someone I look to. Even if I knew I was in a slump, I knew it’s something that he can do. And another great thing is he’s so little, but he’s scrappy, too. It’s good to have that in practice. He always pushes me in practice. It’s good that he never gives up.

Whitmore: I think the best part is his toughness. If the game is real close, we can depend on him taking over the game or finishing a good basket toward the end. He’s been doing that for the longest time now. And another good thing is he’s a great passer. He would get a good pass in and you would just look at him like, how did he get it there? He’s a good rebounder, too.

What is your favorite memory of something he did on the court?

Massenat: I remember when we were younger and I think we went to Rider camp together. That’s before we met each other. It used to be us two that were the best ones in the league. I remember one time we played against each other and there was this one move, he crossed over and spun, and I wasn’t expecting it because he was so little. That’s when I realized I had to start getting real serious against him.

Whitmore: My favorite move that I like of his is the hesitation and then he takes it to the rack and dunks it. I’ll always know when he’s about to do that.

What is both similar and different about the two of you?

Massenat: I think we both know that we can go to each other on the court at any time and we always have each other’s back on the court. What’s different? He’s more aggressive offensively. And I like giving him the ball and watching him score. I feed off of him playing basketball.

Whitmore: We’re basically the same. The difference between us is he can attack the basket better than I could and I can probably shoot better than he could.

What does he do that makes you laugh?

Massenat: On the court, I’d say the little jokes that he says to me. If I miss a layup, he’ll probably say something like, ‘Ah, you’re weak, you’re soft.’ Off the court, we just click on everything.

Whitmore: He’s funny at times. He’s just goofy.

What is something about him that would surprise people?

Massenat: He’s really not as quiet as he thinks he might be. When we’re alone or outside of school, he’s probably more outgoing than I am.

Whitmore: I don’t think anything. Everybody just knows his personality.

Is there something about you that would surprise him?

Massenat: I don’t think so. We’ve known each so long.

Whitmore: I don’t think anything because he’s known me since fourth grade. We’re like brothers, basically. We just know everything about each other. On the court, we know each other’s moves. Off the court, we know what each other is doing because we hang out together.

Either on or off the court, what is something that he thinks he does well, but doesn’t?

Massenat: Oh, yeah. I think he thinks he’s a sweetheart. I don’t think he’s pretty good at it, but it’s all right. I’ve taught him everything he knows.

Whitmore: I’m not sure.

What do you see him doing in 20 years?

Massenat: I see Dondre being an independent person, actually owning his own business, if he’s not playing basketball. He’s so dedicated in basketball. It’s hard (for him) to let down because of his energy and the kind of person he is. But I see Dondre opening his own business, maybe even coaching.

Whitmore: I could just see him being successful in life, doing whatever he’s good at, either playing pros or having a good job.

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