Ellwood has a game that leaves you asking what can’t he do. After a stellar season, he took it to another level with a magical postseason run that ended in a state championship. Fearless with the ball in his hands, he made smart decisions and consistently found the right reads. He attacked the rim with confidence, finishing through contact and making acrobatic plays, while also proving he can knock down shots when needed. On the other end, his in your grill defense and attitude set the tone for his team all season. His all around impact, especially on the biggest stage, is what fueled his rise in the rankings

Cooper Ellwood Cooper Ellwood 5'9" | PG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO constantly finds flaws and cracks in opposing defenses and uses his one-of-a-kind ball handling to maneuver past anyone on the hardwood. Featuring a smooth touch around the rim, Ellwood will blow by his matchup with ease and create immense finesse at the cup. Averaging nearly 11 PPG, 4.4 APG, and leading the Jags in steals (2.8 SPG), Ellwood’s 2-way game has been put on full blast this season. Earning himself a state title in his junior year, his senior campaign is looking even brighter as he’s fully morphed into the most complete player on the hardwood at all times.

Cooper is on a mission right now, and his play to start the new year, specifically in league play. When he’s playing well, it shows Rock Canyon’s ceiling. When he’s dealing, there aren’t many teams in the state that can beat them. He’s a true floor general and glue guy that can also step out and look like the team’s go-to guy. He competes on both ends, finishes in transition, gets into the teeth of the defense, and rides the momentum he causes. He is a floor raiser for teammates, and that is flue guy material as a catalyst. Ellwood has also improved as a scorer, and that opens things up for Rock Canyon. He’s a player to keep an eye on 

Cooper Ellwood Cooper Ellwood 5'9" | PG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO was a defensive pest who put his matchup in a safe and threw away the key. Creating opportunities in transition is where Ellwood specializes, poking the rock away from his opponent and running out for dynamic layups. With a soft touch around the rim and consistent with both hands, Ellwood’s bag is just being discovered at the top, when there’s still so much to be discovered in the next year. Ellwood’s progression has been exponential, and his 15-point, 4-assist, 2-steal performance was a clear representation of his confidence all season long.

Cooper Ellwood Cooper Ellwood 5'9" | PG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO has an impeccable touch around the rim and makes acrobatic finishes look effortless. Featuring patience and a change of pace dribbling the ball, Ellwood is as shifty as they come. Coming up with nearly 9 PPG, 5 APG, and 3 SPG, Ellwood is a true dual-way threat who gives Rock Canyon an extra edge in the competition. Sitting at 12-2, the Jags are in a comfortable groove with elite caliber players such as Ellwood and G Jacob David Jacob David 6'6" | SG/CG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO leading the charge.

Ellwood is secretly the engine for Rock Canyon as he is the true floor general who keeps everything organized. He handles pressure, pushes tempo, and gives them the freedom to play fast. He scores at all three levels, knocks down the three consistently, and finds shooters and slashers in rhythm. What separates him is his attacking mindset.  He breaks defenders down, gets into the paint, and makes decisive reads that shift games. This will be a year where I feel he gets a bit more recognition as the X Factor that keeps Rock Canyon going. 

Cooper was one of the most consistent guards all weekend and looked to be Rock Canyon’s best player at the event. He scored inside with floaters, had touch finishes, and crafty angles. He put up real pressure on defenses in transition, especially downhill and attacked guards. Against Horizon, he attacked gaps, lived at the free throw line, and never stopped applying force. He also put up 19 points against Eaglecrest and the effort was constant ,and that effort translated to easy points. He was a problem every game and if he’s able to stick with this kind of play, Rock Canyon will be one of the favorites. 

Cooper Ellwood Cooper Ellwood 5'9" | PG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO is a hooper who impressed me right off the bat in the first game I watched him. Ellwood’s acceleration on offense is superb, along with his deep finishing bag that he utilizes to score at will. Fundamentally well-rounded, Ellwood is dynamic off the pick and roll, able to locate his big man and rack up plenty of assists each game. Rock Canyon has a legitimate PG1 who will dominate this fall.

Ellwood hopped on the scene and has not looked back. When having discussions of some of the top guards in the state, his name is now starting to come up more often, and that is because he has taken a leap. Rock Canyon will be a team to watch this year, and I expect them to make some noise. They are a very talented bunch with scorers, size, and spacing as they play the right way, and he’s a guard that adds to it all. Ellwood scores in bunches, plays with energy, and competes hard. With the guards that have already committed, we would be excited to see how he fares alongside them, and we want to see if he has taken another step before the season begins. We want to see him at the event. 

Cooper Ellwood Cooper Ellwood 5'9" | PG Rock Canyon | 2027 State CO is always in attack mode, as he relentlessly finds innovative ways to slash to the rim. Ellwood bursts with speed when he has the ball in his hands and acrobatically converts on unreal layups. With a silky smooth jumpshot, Ellwood remains shot-ready and prepared to torch defenses that stand in his way.