By Ivy Knapp
Dewey High School senior Kooper Crawford has been around basketball for most of his life. He’s been playing since he was seven years old, and still loves the game just as much as he did when he first started. Now in his final year of high school, Kooper is looking forward to one more season with his teammates and friends.
“I get to experience school with my best friends and be on a team with all of them,” he said.
That sense of friendship and teamwork is a big part of what keeps him motivated. Basketball isn’t just about the competition on the court, it’s about the people he shares the sport with.
When it comes to places to play, Kooper has a favorite. “Oklahoma Union,” he said. “They have the easiest gym to dunk in.”
That answer shows a glimpse of his athletic ability. One of his proudest moments on the court was getting his first dunk. He also remembers the excitement of beating Adair in the first round of their tournament, a game that meant a lot to him and his team.
Kooper plays the four spot but says he’d like to try playing the three or even the two. On the road, he thinks Nowata is one of the toughest gyms to play in. When he’s not in the gym or studying, Kooper likes to stay close to home by spending his free time hanging out with friends. His favorite subject is history, and his favorite teacher, Spencer Hayes, who is also one of his biggest influences.
“Coach Hayes has been a big influence on my basketball journey,” Kooper said. “He pushes me to be better.”
Kooper also credits his parents for being there for him through everything. “My mom and dad are always there to support me and push me to be the best person and player I can be,” he said.
After graduation, Kooper plans to play college basketball and work toward a teaching degree so he can become a coach himself.
