Katie Sommer and Kristie Sommer, twin sisters who are seniors at Linn-Mar, are the winners of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school girls this week.

The Sommers transferred to Linn-Mar from Dubuque Senior for their final year in high school and have made a big impact on the basketball team, helping the Lions to a 10-6 overall record and a 7-2 mark in the Mississippi Valley Conference.

Katie Sommer, who is 5-foot-4, is averaging 14.4 points per game. Kristie Sommer, who is 5-foot-7, is averaging 14.2 per game.

Both twins passed the 1,000-point mark for their high school careers this season, counting their years at Dubuque Senior and Linn-Mar. They are both accomplished softball players as well.

Here is our Question-&-Answer session with Katie Sommer and Kristie Sommer:

MSR: What has been your favorite individual highlight in sports?

KATIE: Reaching my 1,000 high school career point versus Dubuque Wahlert. And also being able to be on that court with my twin sister is a highlight of its own.

KRISTIE: Reaching my 1,000 career point versus Prairie. But the best is always being able to play every game with my twin sister is a highlight of its own.

MSR: What has been your favorite team highlight in sports?

KATIE: Becoming a part of the Linn-Mar girls basketball team is the biggest highlight. Couldn't ask for a better team. Also a shout-out to coaches Brandt, Suther and Printy for always encouraging the team and always helping us in pursuing our goals. Slamming the Saints (Xavier) was a huge team win.

KRISTIE: My favorite team highlight in sports is being able to not only work with Jaime Printy but having her as a coach. Also being a part of the Linn-Mar family and being a Lion! I wouldn't change coming here for anything.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence in your sports career?

KATIE: My mother has had the biggest influence on my career because she has only missed one basketball game in my entire career. She is my supporter and by far my biggest fan. She is always my rebounder and always pushes me to be the best. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her. Also Coach Brandt, Coach Suther and Coach Printy are the best coaches I could ask for. They always push me to my limits and they have the upmost respect for me as a player. Couldn't be more thankful.

KRISTIE: My family has definitely been the biggest influence in my career. My mom goes beyond measures to support me in the game I love. Always having her in the stands really makes a difference. Also Coach Brandt and Coach Suther have been extremely helpful and motivating toward me. They are always there pushing me to be the best I can be. I really want to thank them for that. They are great coaches.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

KATIE: My future goal in sports is obviously to continue to play the game that I love. Continuing to be successful and continuing to learn more and develop into an even better player. Always room for improvement.

KRISTIE: My future goals in sports are obviously to continue playing the game I love, and being successful.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

KATIE: My favorite classes in school would be business and health classes. I would love to be an athletic trainer along with some sort of career in the business field.

KRISTIE: My favorite classes in school consist of science and art.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

KATIE: My favorite community service project was probably volunteering at a disabled summer camp. Working with those amazing individuals was life changing and a lot of fun. Also being a part of TRY (teens reaching youth) program at Linn-Mar and helping out the younger students in the Linn-Mar community has made me a better person.

KRISTIE: My favorite community service project was last summer when I had the opportunity to volunteer my time at Camp Albrecht Acres. Being able to work with the handicapped adults and children was life changing. It's something I look forward to doing again.