NEWS

Gabe and Ross Cummings, brothers in basketball

John Bailey
jbailey@tennessean.com

Since they were six years old, Creek Wood High seniors Gabe and Ross Cummings have played basketball – always side-by-side, always on the same team and always as brothers.

Ross (left) and Gabe Cummings are set for their senior year at Creek Wood High. They're looking forward to leading their team back into the post-season.
Ross Cummings (23) sails over Spring Hill players during his time as a Dragon at DMS.
In 2011, Gabe Cummings along with his brother played for the Dragons at Dickson Middle. The highlight of their time at DMS was an undefeated 8th grade season, winning their conference and a state sectional championship.

The duo are twins with Gabe the oldest, by 40 minutes. Ross recently signed with Mercer University’s basketball program and Gabe has several college prospects as well but right now they are focused on enjoying one last season as teammates in a sport they love.

First memory playing basketball together

Gabe Cummings – Junior Pro in Burns. We were on the same team and our dad coached us…we’ve never not played together.

How have you impacted each other’s game over the years?

Gabe Cummings – “Whenever he doesn’t do well I help him with whatever it is and he helps me with whatever I need help with. We complement each other.

“I think I’ve always been the ball handler, passer type and Ross has always been the scorer…we do the opposites.”

Is there a different dynamic on the court between brothers?

Ross Cummings – “It’s just knowing each other’s game. I know what he can do and what he can’t do.”

Gabe Cummings – “I think just playing together all the time, I just know what he’s going to do. I know his strengths and weaknesses so if we’re coming down to it and we need a big shot, I know he’s going to hit it.”

Key to having a big senior year?

Ross Cummings – “We’re all just going to have to come together on the and get better as a team. The guys are going to have to realize that instead of dribbling down and taking the first shot, they’re going to get the ball back, and definitely defensively we have to be more solid.”

Gabe Cummings – “The goal is to get back to state and win a game this year.”

Last season, Creek Wood went 31-2 overall, winning District 11-2A and making it to the program’s first TSSAA state AA tournament.

What is it like stepping up as team leaders?

Gabe Cummings – “In practice, being seniors, we try to help the young kids out, make sure they’re doing the right thing, make sure they’re being vocal. We don’t want them being quite…we make it known that they can say whatever they want, do whatever they want but we don’t want them to be scared of the upperclassmen.”

How tough is that last game going to be?

Ross Cummings – “Hopefully it’s a win. That’ll make it easier…it’s going to be emotional.”

Gabe Cummings – “It’s going to be tough, especially with him going to Mercer, knowing we’re not going to be together next year.”

How close are you as brothers?

Ross Cummings – “We’re best friends. We’ve always done everything together, whether it comes to sports…if I’ve been in this class, he’s been that class too. Everything we’ve done, we’ve done together.”

What’s the best moment watching each other play?

Ross Cummings – “The funniest moment was probably when we were in junior pro. I actually hurt him, we were playing tackle football and so I got to play that game and I got to score thirty-six.”

Gabe Cummings – “In sixth grade we were in the district, either the first round or the semis and we were playing Sycamore. They put Ross in and we were down with like a minute left and he hit a huge three (point shot) and that ended up winning us the game…that was fun watching him take that shot.”

The boys’ father Mike Cummings has been right there as well, stepping in as their first coach and like their mom (Tammy Cummings) always a key voice in the crowd at every game since. Getting his son’s up for the sport has never been an issue.

“As a matter of fact…I always tell my wife that I’ll never tell them no if they want to shoot but at eleven o’clock at night when it’s snowing outside, I’ve got to draw the line and come in sometime…I’ve always been the rebounder.”

Creek Wood boys head basketball coach Charles Taylor has coached other sets of brothers but having twins on the roster is unique.

“Obviously, they have that connection and that bond where they know where each other is without necessarily having to tell each other where they are. They’re also very close on and off the floor,” Coach Taylor said.

“The funny thing is, are those moments when they’re brothers and they fuss and argue with each other. It’s comical to all of us because they’re so close, they’re such good friends…but we laugh at those moments where Gabe fouls Ross too hard or Ross slaps Gabe by accident and they have those brother moments.”

The coach added that it’s just been a joy watching the two develop the last three years.

“I know for both of them, it’s always nice to have that partner to always rebound for you in the gym and go to the weight room and to push you versus you being on your own sometimes.”