The subject of this week’s HoopMIA player spotlight is Miami Country Day point guard Jordan Cooke. The 5 foot 10 junior had a breakout campaign for the Spartans and established himself as one of the top guards in South Florida. He helped guide a young team to a trip to the regional semifinals, which they lost to a Chaminade team that would go on to win the region. He talked about his junior campaign and his hopes for next season. 

“My junior season was definitely my best so far,” said Cooke. “I woke a lot of people up individually. As a team although we were very young, I feel like we shocked a lot of the doubters. We bring almost everyone back next year so it should be an even better year.” 

The Class of 2021 guard has already surpassed 1000 points in his high school career. He averaged 22 points per game this past season and was one of the top scorers in Dade County. He is an elite ball handler, who plays with a great feel for the game. Cooke is a knockdown shooter capable of filling up a box score in a hurry. He had eight games with at least four three pointers this year, including a career high eight threes against The Benjamin School. He talked about what he feels are his strengths on the floor and what he is working on to improve his game. 

“My strengths are definitely scoring and playmaking. I am a good shooter and I use my quickness and handles to create for myself and others. I want to improve on every aspect of my game because there is always room for improvement, but I also want to put on weight and get stronger.”

Cooke set a career high in a 40 point performance against Miami Edison this season. He had multiple 30 point nights as well and carried the scoring load while also being the Spartans’ primary playmaker. The junior is great at changing speeds in open court and uses his quickness to create penetration and provide his teammates with open looks. He discussed his plans for the travel circuit before the current pandemic which has sent travel basketball and almost the entire sports world on a temporary hiatus. 

“For travel ball I will be playing with SOH Elite. This summer is a big one for me. I am looking to continue to put everyone on notice and earn college offers. The corona virus has been tough to deal with but I am just trying to make the most out of every day by just making sure I am doing workouts and all I can at home.” 

The Country Day standout was able to make a name for himself this season in the South Florida basketball scene and is hoping to do the same with college coaches soon. He is a player that competes on every possession and the joy basketball brings him is evident in his play. He described what the game means to him. 

“Basketball has always been my passion. The love I have for the game is unmatched. I love the competitiveness and the process of getting better.”

The talented floor general has improved every year and is set to have his finest season as a senior next season. Cooke is a dynamic guard with all the tools to lead Miami Country Day and to be able to earn a college scholarship. It will be intriguing to see how much he will be able to elevate his game and what heights he can reach to cap off an already solid high school career.