Cooper to lead states’ best
Warragul North Primary School student Cooper Alger has been selected as vice captain of the School Sport Victoria 12-year-old boys basketball team.
Cooper will form an integral part of the Victorian team to compete in the School Sport Australia Pacific school games basketball championship to be held in Adelaide from November 21 to November 28.
Cooper, 12, followed a selection process that began in June and competed in a series of competitions conducted by School Sport Victoria to gain selection in the Victorian state team.
More than 1000 players from all over Victoria participated in the tryouts, with Cooper being the only boy from Gippsland to be named in the squad of 10 players.
The SSV team differs from other state teams as it is the only team that combines both metropolitan and country players.
Along with competing against national teams, the Victorian team will also face off against international teams such as China and India during the five days of competition.
Cooper’s love for basketball began at an early age when he started playing at the age of eight for the Chalkies in the under 12s.
He has also represented the Korumburra Wildcats, Warragul Warriors and the Dandenong Rangers in the Victorian Junior Basketball League.
He continues to play for local club Rebels and said he enjoys playing with his best mates who have all supported and encouraged him every step of the way.
He said he looked forward to representing Warragul North Primary School, who have assisted him by raising money for his trip.
Cooper was awarded the Baw Baw Shore Community Sponsorhip fund in August and recently presented with the School Sports Scholarship, which acts to provide financial assistance to his future sporting endeavours.
The scholarship acknowledges that he consistently participates in many sports at state level including swimming, track events (100m and 200m sprints), cross country running and most recently the state basketball team.
Cooper, who has a carefree attitude, is humble in his achievements. He said his accomplishments are a result of enjoying the game of basketball and being active.