All in the family: Brothers, cousins play high school ball together

Those who play sports know that teammates can become family.

But for three boys on the Hanks High School varsity basketball squad, the reverse is true.

For the first time, cousins Salvador Fernandez and Jason Fernandez will get to represent the Knights on the court with Salvador’s younger brother, Cesar Fernandez — three relatives all on one team.

“I’m really excited because I get to play with my siblings,” said Cesar, who is a sophomore. “It’s rare when you have siblings playing in one group. (It’s) a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

But it’s not the first time Cesar has played ball with his older brother and cousin.

“We’ve been playing together since we were 5, 6 years old,” Jason told ABC-7 during a recent after-school practice. “We just have that communication together, that bond together.”

Salvador agreed, adding, “I grew up with them, I’ve played with them, I’ve gone through hell with them. I’ve done everything with them.”

The trio played in independent leagues for years. The highlight of their teamwork came in the summer of 2017 when they won four regional tournaments.

Perhaps Cesar wanted to recreate the magic from that summer. He threw all his effort into making varsity — something not many younger high school athletes can achieve.

“I’ve grown up with them all my life and it just really helps me play how I really play,” Cesar said. “It brings out the best in me.”

Despite the fierce competition and the opportunity for sibling rivalries to flare up, the family members were adamant: there is nothing negative about teaming up with family.

“Man, I love playing with them,” Salvador said. “They bring out the most in me. We’re aggressive. We ball out.”

Hanks plays in a tournament on the road Thursday.

The Fernandez brothers and cousin — and the rest of their teammates — take the home court for the first time this season against Chapin High School on Nov. 20.