For their final high school season, Annie and Amy Beaugh are returning to their roots.

The twin sisters, who starred in basketball and fast-pitch softball at Porters Chapel Academy for the last three years, have transferred to St. Aloysius. They have already played some basketball games with St. Al’s summer team, but it wasn’t clear whether they would also play softball next spring.

The Beaughs attended the Class 1A school in junior high, but transferred to PCA prior to their freshman year. Their mother, Cindy Palmer, declined to give a reason for the move back to St. Al.

“Yes, they are registered at St. Al,” she said. “They are playing with St. Al’s summer team, and that’s all I want to say.”

New PCA basketball coach Chris Etheridge said he wasn’t sure about the reason for the transfer, either. Etheridge is also PCA’s athletic director and an assistant softball coach, as well as a youth director at the Beaughs’ church.

Etheridge said the family told him the Beaughs were transferring, but never gave a specific reason.

“We’re close and everything, but as far as an executive decision where the family is concerned, I didn’t feel it was my place to question that,” Etheridge said, adding that there were no hard feelings on his part. “I just feel like they’re trying to make the best decision for their family. It’s maybe a little bit better opportunity for them, a chance to play public school ball, and I understand that.”

Annie Beaugh developed into one of the most prolific scorers in Warren County history during her time at PCA. The 5-foot-8 guard averaged nearly 20 points per game in her three varsity seasons and helped the Lady Eagles to three straight MPSA Class A playoff appearances.

Amy Beaugh, a 5-7 guard, isn’t as dominant a scorer as her sister, but was still a solid role player for PCA and a two-year starter.

The loss of the Beaughs will also impact PCA’s softball team. The Lady Eagles finished third in the Academy-A state tournament last season, largely because of the sisters’ play.

Annie, a shortstop, hit .398 and scored 42 runs in 2004. Amy, a first baseman, hit .386 and scored 56 runs. Each sister had 35 RBIs.