There often is a bit of competition when it comes to brothers. That's the case with Bishop Chatard senior basketball player Tyler Kleinschmidt and his younger brother Dan, a junior.

But with that competitiveness also comes a mutual sense of helpfulness.

"I'm always reminded that he's my older brother," Dan said. "He's got a lot of talent. And if he goes out and has a great game, scoring 25 points, then I'm happy for him. But it's a little nicer if I play well that game, too.

"But we definitely have a relationship where I can come to him on and off the court. If I need help, he'll help me. If he needs help, he knows he can come to me."

That is reciprocal with Tyler.

"I think that's just something that comes with being an older brother. If I see something I can help him out with, I'm going to do it," Tyler said. "But that also works vice versa in both football and basketball. I know he can help me out, too. It's a good relationship to have."

The pair have helped the Trojans to a 3-1 record. Tyler, a 6-foot guard, is averaging 17.8 points and more than three rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. He's coming off a 25-point effort in Chatard's 96-44 win against Scecina on Tuesday.

"Tyler pretty much does everything for us," Chatard coach Chris Quinn said. "Last year he was our second- or third-leading rebounder from the guard position. He does a great job rebounding and getting assists, but he's pretty much a scorer. And he's probably our best defender. We'll put him on the opposing team's best perimeter player. He can do it all."

Dan, a 5-9 guard, is coming off a shoulder injury suffered during football and has played in three of Chatard's four games. He's averaging 3.3 points.

"He's looked really good this week," Quinn said. "He played really well at Connersville (a 59-58 loss on Dec. 15). He came off the bench and gave us five points in the second quarter. He gives us a really good spark off the bench, and I think he'll continue to improve as his shoulder gets better."

Chatard won a state title in 2003 and advanced to the semistate in 2004. The last two seasons have ended in the sectional, but Tyler believes the Trojans can move much further past that point this season.

"I really think we can make a long run in the tournament," he said. "We play very well together as a team. Once all the football guys get into basketball shape and get in sync, I think we can make a very good run."