Talk about confusing your opponent. The Turkey Valley boys basketball team from Jackson Junction, Iowa, has three sets of identical twins on its team that often play at the same time in different combinations. All of them have started at some point during the season.

According to The Associated Press, the three sets span different classes and some sets play down-low and physical while other sets play the perimeter or play as swingmen.

I can only imagine what it would be like playing this team. I have trouble guarding a team that is all wearing the same uniform, let alone all looking alike.

I was considering investigating Don Smith, the twins’ head coach, to see if he put something in the water over there in Jackson Junction about 17 or 18 years ago to set himself up for a possible championship down the road.

I’m sure he probably didn’t, but crazier things do happen — like the fact that no one has locked up Mike Tyson in a mental institution.

I think Smith is on to something with this. But screw putting something in the water. Why not expand on our knowledge of cloning?

I was thinking of cloning the other day while mourning for Dolly, the cloned sheep, who recently died at the age of 6. So I threw in the story about the twins and some Natural Light and I got to thinking.

It hit me that there are a lot of interesting and amazing characters in the sports world, and sports would be better off if there were more of these people around.

Take Dan McCarney for instance. As sports editor, I’ve come to learn how intense and hard-working this man is. In fact, my dad saw him on a plane a while back at 5 in the morning, on the go, ready to recruit.

I would love to try his coffee because he’s up and fierce early, and it has become very evident that his work ethic is one to strive for. The sports world would benefit from McCarney clones.

Then there’s Anna Kournikova. Her tennis is really amazing.

What about the aforementioned Tyson? Sure he acts a little crazy sometimes, but just think of the wonders more Tysons would do for reality television. Not to mention, if he was monitored better emotionally, the man really could be one of the best fighters of all time.

George Steinbrenner would be an interesting candidate for cloning. Sure many don’t like how he does business, but maybe multiple Steinbrenners, along with his checkbook, could help save a sport like hockey that has had two teams file for bankruptcy this year.

Obviously there are thousands of amazing athletes that many would like to see in double or triple. But a few that come to mind are men like Allen Iverson, who at 6 feet tall can lead a league in scoring that houses the best in his sport.

Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice are others. At age 40, these men can still school guys nearly half their age.

I thought about what would happen if we cloned Dennis Rodman. And although I do think he was a fine basketball player, we don’t need any more basketball players marrying themselves as a publicity stunt.

Besides, his first book was good, but by the time his second rolled around I had more Rodman than I could handle for a long time.

I was thinking about Tiger Woods as well, but only because it would be nice to see some good competition for him. Other than that, if I ever want to work on my game and go for the big money golf has to offer, one Tiger is plenty.

So while the sports world will probably wait for a dominant set of twins to take over a sport, whether they be from Jackson Junction or not, I say we try the cloning thing.

Then again, Dolly did die of complications that may have been related to her being cloned, so maybe it’s not such a great idea.

But if all this does go down some day and people are placing orders, I’ll take one Anna. What? My tennis needs some work.

Kyle Moss is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale. He is the sports editor of the Daily.