You may know Carson Cooksey for his primetime, highlight playmaking as Blanchard High School’s starting quarterback, but basketball was one of his first loves.
“My dad used to be the assistant basketball coach at Lawton Eisenhower, so as far back as I can remember, I was in the gym with my dad. Being around the team and always in the gym made me love the game, especially when he coached my little league teams. I was lucky to play with some great players on a traveling basketball team, so most weekends were spent at tournaments around great players and friends,” Cooksey said. “As I have gotten older, I have found I love playing football as well, so I have spent more time on football.”
Cooksey averaged 8.0 points and 2.0 assists for the Lions a year ago. He’ll lend his sharpshooting services to the team again this winter — as soon as football’s over, of course.
“I do think playing multiple sports helps you in all the sports you play,” Cooksey said. “It was important to me to develop skills in basketball, football and baseball. I think playing other sports keeps you in shape but pushes your body to perform in different ways.”
The Lions football team went 9-1 in an exceptional regular season campaign. The jury’s out on how the season ends, but Cooksey’s got the Lions playing hot.
“I definitely feel the difference between football shape and basketball shape when I get out there after football, but I think it’s always a good thing to keep our football season going as long as possible,” Cooksey said. “I enjoy being in the gym and putting up shots when I can. I know my teammates are working hard. We have a championship mindset in Blanchard, so being successful in multiple sports only helps us all.”
Cooksey is particularly close with Ross Johnston, who also plays all three sports. When Cooksey moved to Blanchard as a freshman, Johnston was one of the first to call him a friend.
“We were playing baseball that summer and he and his mom took me on out-of-town tournaments,” Cooksey said. “We became good friends at that time and that has continued. We spend a lot of time together during football and this relationship helps our chemistry on the court.”
After high school, Cooksey hopes to continue his football-playing career at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree.
