Q & A with Rector Cougar Cooper Rabjohn . By : Ryan Fletcher
1 . You enter your final season of high school sports . Talk about your career , so far , while also discussing your thoughts on playing your last season . I was fortunate enough to move up to senior high as a freshman . It was a quick learning experience , and I think I adapted well to it . We had some upper-class men that year that helped ease me into it . I was fortunate to be recognized for my play as a freshman . From there on I ’ ve just been doing my thing by scoring and being a leader on and off the court . I was a part of some great teams that were able to make some post-season runs . I ’ m not looking forward to this being my last year , but I am very excited about the team we have this year . We got shooters , ball handlers , and a group of kids that are going to play as hard as we can so just see what happens .
2 . What has it been like playing for Matt Mills who is respected by so many as one of the most hard-working coaches around ? I have enjoyed every second of playing for Coach Mills . He demands a lot from you but also shows us how to work hard . He has taught me how to be a leader on the floor and how to take my game to a different level . He is just a winner and he wants us to be just as big of a winner as he is and there is not another coach I would want to play for .
3 . I asked Drew ( Henderson ) this question for his article in our football preview but I ’ ll ask you as well . You two have always played together in multiple sports . I know you are close . What is your relationship like and what ’ s it been like playing with him on the court and the baseball Diamond ? We have been best friends since we were little . We grew up playing summer baseball together . As far as being teammates on the field and the court we know what each other is thinking . It makes it easier having a teammate I have played with my entire life . We got one more run together in both sports , and we hope to make some noise .
4 . You are highly thought of as the best player in the 2A-3 . You are the opposing teams primary target in terms of a scouting report . Does that add pressure to you and how does it feel knowing you are the man everyone has to stop ? Well I appreciate you saying that . There are a lot of good players in our conference . It doesn ’ t put more pressure on me . I ’ ve just got to play my game . I ’ ve had great teammates that have made it easier for me . I enjoy having a target on my back because it pushes and makes me play harder .
5 . My understanding is that you will play at the next level . Discuss that , where you will be and why you chose to land there . Right now , I have a couple of options but we are going to wait a little bit to see if anything else opens up . My goal has been to play college basketball , and I ’ m excited I have the opportunity .
6 . You guys fell just a game short of Hot Springs making it to the final four . Talk about that experience and moment as a player ? Making the state tournament is always a goal . I have been fortunate to make it to the state tournament all three years so far but last year was by far better than anyone could ask for . It was in our own gym , and the place was packed every night we played . As of right now that was the best moment of my high school career . Hopefully that experience can help get us back this year .
7 . What has been your favorite moment as a player and why ? Making the final four in basketball last year in front of my home crowd was one of my favorite moments . The atmosphere was unbelievable and just the level of competition was incredible . That is something me and my teammates will always remember .
8 . You are also a top pitcher in your conference and in 2A . Discuss your baseball playing career . I grew up playing baseball every summer . It was my first love . I still love playing baseball . I love being on the mound and being able to control the game . We have had some really good teams that have made some post season runs . I ’ ve been fortunate enough to put up some good numbers .
9 . What have you looked up to over the years as a player on the floor ? I think I would say Coach Mills . I never watched him play , but he invested a lot of time in me and had taken my game to where it is at today . If I ever have any questions , I know I can go to him and he will give me the answer .
10 . What do you want Rector fans to remember you for ? I want them to remember that I played hard , left it all on the floor , and that I love being a Rector Cougar . Hopefully , I have done some things that they will remember me for .