The Dunedin twins have returned for their holidays, having spent the first half of the year on basketball scholarships at the University of Gillette, in Wyoming, in the United States.
The university is a junior college, meaning students are first and second-year and play in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
During their time away, the girls red-shirted, meaning they were allowed to train and travel with the team but not play, preserving a year of college eligibility.
Since being home they have made the most of being able to play, linking up with the Andersons Bay Falcons and Otago under-23 women's teams.
While they are enjoying being back, their experience has them eager for more.
"All the girls are really great. They made us feel welcome,'' Brittany, a 180cm swingman, said.
The past six months were a valuable taster, as they now know what to expect when they head back to join the team's playing roster on August 19.
"The level was a little bit higher [to what they play in New Zealand], but similar,'' Brittany said.
"But at the national level [at the NJCAA national tournament] it's definitely a lot more physical and stronger, so it's a lot to learn.''
Both girls believed it was a more competitive environment, as everyone played basketball as their main sport and wanted to reach the highest level they could.
"[Some of the players are] doing it for their family, and they've only got one chance,'' Zoe, a 183cm forward, said.
"So they're fighting for their spot. You've got to prove why you deserve the scholarship.''
They believed that led to a step up in intensity.
"You can't just slack off at training,'' Zoe said.
Brittany said players had to be at training half an hour before it started.
"It's very strict. You could be there what we classify in New Zealand as early, 10 minutes just to do a one-on-one session, but that's late. You have to be there extra early, putting up more shots to show that you're ready. It was an adjustment, extra early.''
A typical day sees them up at 7am and walking through the snow to the recreational centre.
They train by themselves until class starts at either 9am or 10am.
After class they spend the afternoon studying, before going to dinner at 5.30pm, then to team training at 7pm for two hours, before more study or getting ready for bed.
Both girls are taking courses in general studies with science, which acts as a starting point to move into something more specific.
With a home and away game every week, they spend a lot of time on the road, meaning they have to stay on top of their study.
There is plenty of help on hand, however.
"All the teachers are really supportive of it, because basketball's such a big thing,'' Brittany said.
It is not just the teachers either, as the town rides on the success of the basketball team, which last season won the regional tournament.
"It's a big deal over there and it pumps you up for the game,'' Zoe said.
"The community does really get behind it, especially us having our regionals at Gillette. We had a full stand for every game, especially the final. There was no seats.''
"It's amazing how much of a difference it makes in the tough times, having them come and cheer for you. It's such a different atmosphere,'' Brittany added.
They rode that wave to the national tournament, where they were knocked out in the first round.
They are keen to make the tournament again and hopefully go further, having learnt plenty.
There are some big shoes to fill, including those of Kiwi Mary Goulding, who transferred to Fordham University, a Division one college in New York City, after a stellar season.
"She's put in the hard work, so it shows if you put in the hard work and effort you can go far. It's just a great starting point for us,'' Zoe said.
That offers inspiration for both girls, who have two years at Gillette to show they are good enough to transfer to an NCAA Division 1 or 2 school for their final two years.
For now, however, they are living in the moment and not taking anything for granted.
"We're very grateful for having this opportunity and being able to play over there,'' Zoe said.
"We didn't expect we'd get that and we've got it now. If anyone ever gets that opportunity just take it. You don't lose anything, you just gain.''
