When two teammates push each other with the force and encouragement Bryce Brown and Anthony Rice do it creates competitive synergy.

Columbia High’s backcourt mates are the best of friends and each other’s biggest supporters on the floor. They want to make sure the other is reaching their potential and working harder than anyone they play. They are on a mission.

“We worked every day,” Brown said. “There are no days off. We worked more than anybody this summer. We are going to be leaders.”

The work has paid off as St. Peters, Appalachian State, Florida State, NC State, Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Campbell, South Alabama, Richmond, Cornell, Mercer, Radford, Murray State, Akron, East Carolina, UAB and Stetson have stopped by to see these Class of 2015 prospects and other Columbia players work out at some point.

Both players are looking to step into some bigger roles this season.

Brown contributed to the Eagles success last season but in a much smaller role. He’s expecting to make an even bigger contribution this season. The 6-foot-2 guard handles the ball well, can knock down shots and explode off the floor. These attributes helped him really garner the attention he has received thus far.

Rice, who transferred from Covenant Christian, is a point guard with good court vision. He also is an excellent defender with a solid jumper.

Both jumped into the state rankings after The Preview.

“Both of us have a crazy attitude that we want to get better and win,” Rice said. “With us stepping onto the scene we don’t want to do anything but improve. We don’t want to take a step backwards.”

The drive to be the best is the only thing these two friends take about. They occasionally workout three times a day whether its on their skills or their strength.

Both played for the 3T All-Stars but there were some minor setbacks. They had some nagging injuries that kept them from excelling at their highest potential. Neither was at 100% at the end of the summer. However, this did not stop them, as they still wanted to be around their team but also in the gym.

“When we are in the gym there are things I can do that he can’t and visa versa,” Rice said. “We try to push other. We aren’t against each other we have some goals to get to.”

Both would like to lead Columbia back its championship glory. This confidence comes from having played against some solid travel teams during the summer.

“I feel that we can compete with those who have made it to the big stage,” Brown said. “They say hard work pays off. We are going to make sure it does.”