Campbell Cooper Emerges as a Sophomore Star for Lady Leps
Campbell Cooper is just a sophomore but she has emerged as a force for the La Grange girls basketball team.
She has led the team in scoring several games this season and she really excelled Tuesday, scoring a team-high 19 points as the Lady Leps came from behind to beat Gonzales 40-36.
With La Grange clinging to a one-point lead, Cooper nailed a three-pointer with 50 seconds left in the game to ice the victory.
“She brings a lot to us,” said La Grange head girls basketball coach Heath Golan of Cooper. “She’s just a sophomore so she’s still learning, but she’s doing a great job, knowing her role. We have to have her rebound, we have to have her guard. The offense is there too, She’s a good shooter. Tonight was her night.”
We’re proud to honor Cooper as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.
We caught up with Cooper just minutes after Tuesday’s dramatic win. Here’s our interview with her:
What are your immediate thoughts about that game?
“It was hard. Gonzales is definitely a good team. I’m glad we pulled it out.”
You are the daughter of two coaches (La Grange head football coach Kyle Cooper and Ginger Cooper, girls basketball assistant). Talk about what that is like?
“They push me a lot to be good. I’ve just grown up around sports. It’s always been a big thing for me.”
You have a unique first name. Is there an interesting story behind the name Campbell?
“It was my great-great grandma’s maiden name.”
What are your personal goals for this season and what are your team goals?
“Personally I want to make my team better and get better myself, and as a team I
See really think we can be district champs.”
If you were writing the scouting report on Campbell Cooper, how would you describe her as a basketball player?
“I like to shoot. I try to drive as much as a I can. I play good defense. I try to be versatile.”
Coach Golan recently won his 300th career game with the Lady Leps. What’s he like as a coach?
“I think Coach Golan is really good. He does a good job of staying calm in games. He pushes us to be good.”
What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list?
“I have a lot of shoes, so (probably more)”
What is your favorite class this year?
“I’d say Floral Design.”
Who is the toughest teammate to play one-onone?
“Kylie (Trlicek), she plays really good defense.”
Who is your funniest teammate and why?
“Macie (Collier), she makes me laugh a lot.”
What are your goals after high school?
“I want to play college basketball.”