Many siblings have shared and broken high school sports records, but Boothbay Region High School’s (BRHS) Tyson and Tatum French are possibly the only brother and sister basketball players to have led their teams in scoring in the same season: Tyson, a senior, and Tatum, a junior, both lead their respective teams in points scored for the 2024-2025 varsity basketball season.

“I think we have not had a brother/sister combination in the same season," wrote BRHS Athletic Director Allan Crocker. “I think Lisa Carbone (1984), Rob Carbone (1989) and Barb Carbone (1993) all led their teams in scoring. And I am trying to think of any other possible siblings to do this. Of course, Faith and Glory Blethen led their teams in scoring, but again, different seasons.”

While competitive with each other, the brother-sister duo was quick to compliment each other: “Tyson is a better player than me, he’s had more training,” Tatum said, smiling. “Tatum is definitely taller than me,” said Tyson, “and gets far more rebounds.” Indeed, Tatum broke the school record for rebounds her freshman year and currently averages 11 rebounds per game, and between 15-20 points per game. Tyson, a team captain, leads stats in points, steals and assists. Between practices, regular season play, Amateur Athletic Union, Maine Hoops, Lobster Jam, Gold Rush tournament, and refereeing youth programs, the Frenches play basketball year-round.

“Our records don’t reflect how good we really are because we’re such a young team,” said Tyson. Combined, the teams have 15 freshmen on their rosters. Tatum agreed, “It’s been a hard season, with three injuries, we’ve had to work hard to find our rhythm and the freshmen have really stepped up.”

“I try to lead by example,” said Tyson. “I’m a quiet team leader and lead by how I play on the court.” The siblings attend each other’s games when their schedules permit and encourage each other’s successes, though they play very different games. Tyson’s team plays four corners, with Tyson taking the ball the up court and looking for open shots. His strength is in his defensive play. His signature style includes a corner fade for three points. Tatum’s offensive strengths include driving to the basket from her post position, with spin moves to get open. Tatum swam competitively for eight years and also plays field hockey and runs track. Tyson was Seahawk football’s quarterback and looks to play baseball this summer. Both siblings agree basketball is their favorite sport.

Tyson rocks heavy metal music as part of his pregame ritual, and Tatum pumps herself up with rap. As for sports superstitions, Tyson laced a Steph Curry #30 band into his shoes for good luck and Tatum shoots better when her hair is in a high ponytail.

After graduation, Tyson plans to apprentice with Coutts Line Worker Training in Gardiner. Tatum has her eye on the Coast Guard Academy.