CLASS 6A Less could mean more production for Cooper

Colin Cooper won't have as many duties on the basketball court as the last two years, and he believes it can make him be a more productive player this season. The senior guard, who was Fayetteville's leading scorer last season, also had to be the one mainly responsible for bringing the ball up the floor against opposing defenses. That won't be the case this time. "Now we have two guards that can really help us bring the ball up the court," Cooper said. "I feel that is going to free me up a lot more and that will help me with my cardio. I won't be as tired." Those words are music to Fayetteville boys basketball coach Kyle Adams' ears. Cooper will remain the go-to guy when the Bulldogs need a clutch basket, and the offense will continue to run through him whether he is the scorer or helping a teammate get some points. But a fresher Cooper will be a big plus, particularly late in the game. "The last two years, we weren't able to do that," Adams said. "What I tried to do at the end of each quarter was -- if we had a break and on a defensive possession -- I would get him out, sit him and let him sit through the timeout before he would get back in to start the new quarter. "This year, I think we are deeper than we were in the past. That will give him opportunities to rest more, but I know me and I know him. He doesn't want to sit, and I promise you I don't want him sitting on the bench unless he's in foul trouble. I just let him sub himself out if he's tired and he thinks he needs a minute." Adams said there are no limits on Cooper when he's on the floor and wants to shoot -- something he earned as early as his sophomore season. He continues to be Fayetteville's most dangerous perimeter threat, and opposing teams must be aware of him at all times, which also helps his Bulldog teammates get scoring opportunities when Cooper gets a little too much attention. Cooper, however, will be the first to say he needed to improve on his defensive game before the season started, and Adams agreed. "It's just part of my game that can help take me to the next level," Cooper said. "I already feel like I can play offense pretty well, so I need to work on my defense." Cooper already has made plans for that next level. He has verbally committed to play college basketball at the University of Central Arkansas and will sign a letter of intent later this month. "I was really proud of him for committing," Adams said. "I think UCA is the perfect place for him. Coach (Russ) Pennell does such a great job, and he's really got the program on the rise. Collin fits that program perfectly. "He just wants to win so badly that the competitiveness comes out of him. He's not going to think about what's going to happen to him next year. He's in the moment right then, and he's going to win the day and win the possession -- whatever it takes."

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Fayetteville High School Athletics

CLASS 6A LESS COULD MEAN MORE PRODUCTION FOR COOPER

HENRY APPLE

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 11/4/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: J.T. Wampler