If not for his brother, maybe Alex Flores would have been signing a basketball scholarship Friday. Instead, he followed his older brother to soccer and never looked back.

Flores signed with Cumberland University Friday, extending a playing career which began in Texas and moved to Tennessee this season. But before he became a Pioneer this year, or a state champion in Texas a season ago, Flores always wanted to shoot hoops.

“My first sport was basketball. I loved basketball,” said Flores, who has played sparingly for the Pioneers due to a hamstring injury. “I switched because my brother played soccer and you just follow your big brother. Soccer became my sport.”

Even with his success, Flores didn’t think he would go to the next level. He was content with finishing his career in Warren County, but he was urged to reconsider and one tryout changed everything.

“I wasn’t planning on playing soccer. I gave up a little. My teacher, Ms. Simpson, was helping me and she was determined for me to play soccer,” said Flores. “She helped me apply and I went to one tryout and they offered me right there. Not everybody gets these opportunities so I took it.”

Matt Jackson was happy to see his senior sign. His only regret was not having Flores around more.

“It’s been a pleasure to have Alex. I wish we had him longer,” said Jackson.

Flores is expected to suit up when the Pioneers play in the District 6AAA tournament at Cookeville Tuesday. Warren County is set to face the Cavaliers at 6 p.m.