It may not come to anyone's surprise that the Boykins have a competitive household. Whether its bowling or family game night, TJ and his father, Earl, always seem to be vying for No. 1.

When it comes to a game of one-on-one between the two, Earl — a former point guard for the Denver Nuggets and several other NBA teams — still has the edge on his son. TJ, a senior point guard for Douglas County High School, said it's only a matter of time until he finally takes that crown.

“Give me one more year,” TJ said with a laugh before a Jan. 2 practice. “Let age set in.”

TJ is unlike his father, though, in many ways on the court. While Earl was a scoring point guard, TJ is more like a quarterback in the backcourt. TJ's basketball IQ is his greatest weapon, said Earl, Douglas County High's boys basketball coach. A student with a 3.5 GPA, TJ said he's confident on the court because of the lessons his dad taught him: Hate losing more than you love winning.

Coach's take:

“He's more of a true point guard than I was. I was much more of a scorer. His basketball IQ is off the charts. He really understands the game. That leads to a lot of the success he has. His understanding of basketball is so much higher than other high school players."

Earl Boykins, Douglas County High School head basketball coach

Key statistics:

In 10 games this season, as of Jan. 7, TJ Boykins averages 16.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

Ten times out of 10 I'm the most confident player on the floor. There's rarely a time where I'm not confident in any of the decisions I make... and that's what separates me from the rest. I do what it takes to win.

Where do you think that comes from?

My dad. He always told me “Hate losing more than you love winning.” And that just stuck with me. That's the best advice I've ever gotten, because it applies to anything you do.

Can you think of a moment you applied that outside of basketball?

I'm so competitive. I like winning anything in the classroom. I try to get straight A's. I just love winning.

Is there a game that you have an edge on against your dad?

It's close in everything. Except bowling. I suck at bowling.

Would you rather cross somebody up and take the layup or hit a three in an opponent's face?

Three's worth more points, so I got to go with the three.

What's your favorite class?

Anything English. I love to write. I want to write a book in the future.

It's your senior season, do you have any favorite memories from your time here?

Probably would be our first playoff win at home. That was our first playoff win at home in 10 years, I think.

Do you have any plans for after high school?

I want to play college basketball. After that, play overseas and see how that goes.