Prospect Spotlight: Cooper Jervis (2019)
There are few high school basketball players willing to live in the trenches as much as Orange Lutheran’s Cooper Jervis.
The 6-foot-2 junior wing can guard multiple positions, plays with an endless motor, rebounds well for his size, isn’t afraid to dive on the floor or take a charge, and really acts as the Lancers’ enforcer with his fearless mentality.
Jervis credits his older brother Zac, an Orange Lutheran alum now playing at Westmont College, for molding him into such a tough and gritty player.
“I grew up watching him and he was a role model to me,” Cooper said. “It’s not about points for me but more about the impact I have on the team. I’m out there trying to make the right play to help us win and doing whatever it takes to win.”
Orange Lutheran wing Cooper Jervis has carved out an important role as a glue guy for the Lancers.The game hasn’t always come easy to Jervis, though, as he’s missed significant court time each of the last two years due to injury.
But while some would sulk in that missed time competing with teammates, Jervis has turned that into motivation to get healthy and elevate his game.
“It’s been tough because you work so hard and then have to build it back up,” he said. “In a way it helps because you have to put in more work to get back to where you were, which eventually makes you better.”
One of the areas Jervis thrives in is one the defensive end. He’s a good athlete, both laterally and vertically, has a strong frame and good instincts.
“Defense,” Jervis said of his best quality on the court. “That’s what I go out there to do. I’m mentally prepared to play hard on both ends every game. I’m not afraid to hit anybody and that’s what makes me a good rebounder for my size.”
At 6-2 and a solid 195 pounds, Jervis is projecting as a perimeter player for the remainder of his high school career and on the next level and said he’s working to improve his foot speed and ball handling.