Two Maches are better than one

Michael (left) and Matthew Mache have helped lead Glenbard West to second place in the West Suburban Silver. The Hilltoppers play at first place Oak Park-River Forest at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1.

The basketball weekend for the Mache twins doesn’t just end Saturday night with a West Suburban Silver home game against Lyons.

It’s a long day of basketball on Sunday for Glenbard West’s standout forwards. But instead of playing, Michael and Matthew Mache (pronounced Mackey) will be busy attending to their second job. The twins also referee basketball games and will officiate an all-day eighth grade travel basketball tournament at Joy of the Game in Deerfield.

“We are licensed by the IHSA,” Michael said. “We’ve worked freshman and sophomore games. Last summer, we started and Matt and I have worked games together.”

The Maches started officiating games after meeting Rev. Bill Orris, one of the Chicago area’s top three-sport officials in football, basketball and baseball. Orris’ son, Michael (pictured, right), plays for No. 17 Crete-Monee (13-4) and signed with Illinois in November. Michael Orris was teammates with the Mache twins at the Illinois Old School AAU team.

“Pastor Bill has taken us under his wing,” Michael said. Bill Orris helped set the Maches up with game assignments for Sunday’s tournament.

The Maches have an older brother, Brian, who is a senior at Boston University. But at 5-foot-11, Brian never pursued basketball. Michael and Matthew are each 6-6. Their parents, John and Patricia, got the twins involved in basketball at the Bulls/Sox Academy in fourth grade. One of their early coaches was Jack Lothian, a 7-foot center who formerly played professionally in Europe.

“It’s always fun [playing with Michael],” Matthew said. “We have a connection level beyond the team. We’re on the same page. It’s always interesting. It definitely benefits the team.”

The Maches have not made any college plans yet. Michael is back to averaging his same team-leading 19 points per game from last season. He averaged 15 ppg as a sophomore. Matthew averages 7 ppg this season.

The Maches led Glenbard West (11-3, 3-2) to 10 consecutive wins to start the season. The Hilltoppers host Lyons (8-9, 4-2), which has won six straight, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Glenbard won both of its home tournaments this season at Thankgiving and at its holiday tournament with a 67-48 win over Wheaton Academy Dec. 30. Michael scored 25 points in that game and then had 26 points in the Hilltoppers first loss, a 67-61 overtime defeat at Bolingbrook Jan. 4.

5 QUESTIONS… with Michael Mache

Favorite class last semester: International Relations, taught by Rita Stone

Favorite film: Band of Brothers

Dream job: A Big Ten official

Our vacation spot: Hilton Head, S.C.

My twin brother… is very diligent. He’s a hard worker.

5 QUESTIONS… with Matthew Mache

Favorite class last semester: International Relations. We were in the same class.

Favorite film: Saving Private Ryan

Dream job: Work for a large corporation in finances. I would like to major in economics.

Our vacation spot: Hilton Head. We’ve been there 15-18 times

My twin brother… always likes to be goofy and have fun.