Derrick Baines, a three-year varsity player, is stepping into a new role his senior year at Heights High School as he guides a much younger team to playoff hopes in 6A Region III District 18.
It’s a big reversal from his previous existence at Cy Falls.
“This is his first year in our program,” said Heights High School head basketball coach Ralph Barreras. “He came into our program having been a role player at Cy Falls High School on a pretty good team. For us, he has had to take on the job of being a team leader, on a young team. He is not a very vocal player, but he does a great job of leading by example. He is becoming more vocal as the season progresses. I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic, maturity, and willingness to be coached. He is an outstanding, well-rounded young man who does a great job in the classroom as well as on the court.”
Originally from Alexandria, Louisiana, Baines’s first love was baseball, but his path shifted when his mother received a new job in Houston.
“l was all about baseball until I was about 10 years old,” said Baines.
His older twin brothers, Garrick and Jerrick Baines were into basketball. They introduced Baines to basketball as they began playing for coach Ralph Barreras at Sam Houston High School. Once Barreras took the head coaching job at Heights High School and the family moved again, Baines found himself playing for his brothers’ old basketball coach.
Coming in, I was excited to play for coach Barreras. I learned that it was going to require hard work every day if I wanted to go out there and win
Derrick Baines
“Coming in, I was excited to play for Coach Barreras. I learned that it was going to require hard work every day if I wanted to go out there and win,” said the soft-spoken Baines.
At 5 feet 10 and 165 pounds, Baines’ challenge was steep: competing against taller, more vocal guards who had been honing their basketball skills for years. Yet, with guidance from his brothers and an unrelenting work ethic, Baines gradually became one of the leading figures in Heights’ basketball program.
“My sophomore season at Cypress Falls I played with JoJo Tugler, and playing with him taught me that leading a team started in practice. Practice was the time to make mistakes because you had time to clean it up. Cleaning things up in practice helps the team be ready for the game, where you can lead them to another level, but it all starts in practice. I took this same mentality with me when I moved to Heights High School,” said Baines.
Baines’ commitment to improving his game has been evident. He studies the playing styles of multiple top collegiate and professional guards, from University of Houston’s LJ Cryer and Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler, to NBA stars like Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.
“On the collegiate level, I watch players like LJ Cryer and Zakai Zeigler because they are smaller guards just like myself, so I try and study them and their leadership style,” Baines said. “On the professional level, I watch players like Curry and CP3. I watch Curry to see how he moves without the ball and gets his team involved. I watch CP3 to see how he reads pick-and-roll situations. Every morning, I’m working on my game, trying to get better. I’m not a vocal leader, but if my team sees my putting in the work, they’re more likely to follow me.”
Baines has added these lessons into his play, emerging as a key leader for Heights. While he ranks second on the team with 325 points, his impact goes beyond scoring. With 72 assists and 53 steals, Baines’ leadership and fierce defense make him an indispensable asset to the team.
Heights’ basketball team ranks fourth in 6A Region III District 18, behind Bellaire with Lamar and Westside tied for second.
Baines must continue being the catalyst for Heights to contend with these dominant teams. His ability to stay calm under pressure, lead his team, and play relentless defense will be crucial in the second half of the season.
“As a team I need to get my guys to focus and give great effort. We need to have great practices where we are clicking as a unit and translating that into the games. A big key will be showing up defensively and getting buckets in transition,” said Baines.
When asked about advice for aspiring athletes, Baines’ message is clear, “No matter where you’re at or from, if you want to chase a big dream, it’s going to require you to work and grind. It’s not going to get any easier as you go.”
As Heights continues its pursuit of a playoff spot, Baines will undoubtedly remain a central figure in their efforts to outperform the competition and secure a place in the postseason. His transformation from team member to team leader is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination.
About Derrick Baines:
Class: 2025
IG: @Dj2cold._
Twitter: @DjBaines_
Position: Point Guard
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 165 pounds
Favorite artist: NBA YoungBoy
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: English
Shout-outs: Mom
