This season, three brothers—Tavionn, Torian, and Trae Pickens—are causing a seismic shift at Spring Woods High School, which has been overshadowed by its five-year basketball losing record. In addition to giving the Tigers fresh life, the trio has captivated the interest of supporters around the district.
Zechariah Roberson, head basketball coach at Spring Woods, said the Pickens brothers are extremely special and privileged to be around. Their unrivaled enthusiasm and intense competition have been vital to our success this season.
When the Tigers finished first in 6A Region III District 17 with a 13-3 record in the 2018–2019 season, it was their last taste of major success. The team has had trouble getting back on track ever since. The Pickens brothers, however, are changing the course of history this year as they lead 5A Region III District 21 with a 9-1 record.
Roberson remarked, “We’ve been lucky to have six players from last season returning, including all five starters.” As juniors, Tavionn and Trae started the entire previous season. After playing ten games for our JV team last season, Torian was promoted to help provide depth at point guard. Before district play, he took over as a starter.
For five years, identical twins Tavionn and Torian Pickens, along with their younger brother Trae, have played basketball together. The Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA), a developmental program that prioritizes skill development and teamwork, was where their journey started. They are now transferring their experience and chemistry to the high school court, forming an almost unstoppable trio.
According to MaxPreps, Tavionn leads the team in points (337), rebounds (148), and field goal percentage (73%). He remarked, “The chemistry we have is unmatched.” He demonstrated his dominating play in the HISD Winter Tournament Silver Championship game, scoring 28 points to win MVP.
During a difficult time in their lives, the brothers’ bond was reinforced. Their father traveled to Alaska and left the family while they were in the ninth grade. Every brother handled the matter in a different way. The change required Tavionn and Trae to take on additional duties around the house, such as cooking and babysitting. And for Torian, basketball turned become a crucial coping strategy.
“It was difficult for me when Dad left,” Torian remarked. He is the reason I became interested in the sport; when I was younger, we would go outside and practice dribbling together. I was able to comprehend everything thanks to basketball.
His playmaking skills demonstrate this tenacity. He continues to improve his ball-handling skills under duress and leads the club in assists (61).
Each brother’s playing style and objectives are reflected in their own influences and aims on the court. Tavionn is adamant about forging his own route and has decided not to base his style after any NBA players. Basketball became his innate calling after he tried other sports like football and track but were uninterested. Beyond the game, Tavionn is pursuing his varied goals by looking into college programs to pursue culinary arts or sports medicine.
Torian is influenced by guards Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks and Tahaad Pettiford of the University of Auburn. His desire to play collegiate basketball is reflected in his commitment to honing his shooting and ball-handling abilities. Torian’s dedication to developing as a player and realizing his sporting goals is demonstrated by his focus and work ethic.
Torian commented, “I like how Kyrie has creative finishes and plays comfortably under pressure, and Tahaad Pettiford is great at getting the shot he wants.”
Trae is notable for his ability to lead his team in blocks, score goals, and pull down rebounds. He finds inspiration in Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant and Duke forward Cooper Flagg.
Because my team depends on me, I strive to play as fiercely as Cooper Flagg does during the game. According to Trae, Durant excels on both sides of the court.
Even though Trae has no plans to play collegiate basketball, his love of the game motivates him to work as a physical therapist for the NBA, which will allow him to continue being involved with the sport he loves.
The leadership and skill of the Pickens brothers have rekindled the program’s competitive spirit, making the Tigers’ recovery indisputable. Torian’s court vision, Trae’s defensive skill, and Tavionn’s dominance in scoring and grabbing rebounds have all combined to create an ideal environment for success.
The Tigers are playing this season to alter the way that people view Spring Woods basketball, not just to win. The future of the program appears more promising than ever with the Pickens brothers leading it.
One thing is evident as the Pickens brothers continue to motivate their teammates and electrify the court: they are reinventing what it means to be a Tiger, not just rebuilding a basketball team.
