Cooper Nelson Cooper Nelson 5'10" | PG Sterlington | 2026 State LA has been a North Louisiana favorite, but one of the most written about athletes on the PrepHoops Platform. Any event that he attended with a PrepHoops Scout in the building resulted in some sort of recognition about his skill, will and desire to win. Nelson is a recent ULM Commit, and has pledged his part to bring back winning to the program. I have never been to a ULM game, but that will change when “Super Cooper” takes his talent to the Division I ranks to prove that hard work wins everytime. Grab your popcorn. Nelson is staying home.

Cooper is no stranger to beating the odds or delivering big performances, but his second-round matchup against DeRidder could be billed as the most important game of his bright career. Coming in as a major underdog, Cooper showed everyone why they call him “Super Cooper.” His stunning 39-point performance is a powerful indicator of what he has always done and what he will continue to do at the next level. When his back is against the wall, Nelson simply finds a way to win. Big-time players make big-time plays in the biggest moments.

At this point Nelson is the show and his game is known around the state for all the right reasons. He is a supreme point guard that is ready for college competition. He is a culture kid that won’t be out played or outworked. His 29 point performance was a walk in the park, but not all that he did. Nelson rebounds, facilitates and does it all with a smile. Super Cooper is what they call him and it is all earned, nothing given.

Since stepping on the scene as a Freshman, Nelson has excelled at the point guard spot for the Panthers. He was las seasons top player on the list and could have easily been #1 again this year. He controls the game only as a point guard could, but can score as efficiently as a shooting guard, and even rebounds at an above average clip. In the off season he expanded his game and strength to absorb the bumps that come with being the man. Player Comparison. Austin Reaves. Grissom Pick #2.

Cooper Nelson, a crafty guard, poses a significant threat on the offensive end. He excels in finding open teammates, scoring on multiple levels, and controlling the pace of the game. His quick ball-handling skills enable him to bypass defenders and create holes in opposing defenses. I had the opportunity to watch Cooper play in multiple tournaments on the Prep Hoops circuit, closely analyzing his game during the Lonestar State Showdown. I was particularly impressed with his performances as a point guard.

What’s Next for Cooper?
Cooper, a senior at Sterlington High School, is poised to continue his summer success into the fall. He has recently received offers from Southwestern Christian College, Hills College, and The University of Texas A&M Texarkana. Throughout his high school career, Cooper has achieved remarkable accomplishments. He has been named to the first-team all-district, second-team all-state, and first-team all-Ouachita Parish teams. Additionally, he has scored an impressive 2,000 points so far.

Cooper Nelson Cooper Nelson 5'10" | PG Sterlington | 2026 State LA (’26) of OWE has been on a tear this summer, winning over fans and supporters with his dynamic play. He erupted for 22 points in a statement win on Day 1 of the GASO Summer Championship. Nelson is an elite long-distance shooter, capable of hitting from anywhere on the court. He’s crafty with the ball, making the game easier for his teammates by setting them up to showcase their strengths. Strong and able to play through contact, Nelson excels on and off the court. He’s coachable, a great teammate, and boasts Ivy League-level academics.

A cerebral floor general with ankle-breaking pace control, Nelson’s handle were tight and incredibly well polished. He stops, starts, and hesitates defenders into a lean or angle, using subtle head, shoulder, and ball fakes to manipulate positioning as well. Smart exploitation of defensive gaps, and deceptive off-the-dribble craft. Nelson would snake the ball screen, keep defenders on his back hip, and burst into open space inside the arc or paint. He also excelled at handling the ball in tight spaces and walking the tight rope when forced baseline or sideline. Nelson always finds the crack in the defense. A poised and efficient guard with advanced off-the-dribble creation.

Nelson is among the top scorers in the state and consistently makes an impression in every gym he plays in. True to his reputation, he often puts on a show offensively. Beyond scoring, he’s improved defensively and demonstrates elite playmaking ability, making him more dangerous in multiple facets of the game. Nelson has evolved into a well-rounded player who checks all the boxes — he has the talent to play at the D1 level, along with leadership qualities, a high basketball IQ, and supreme confidence on the court. If you haven’t seen him play yet, make sure to find a schedule and bring some popcorn — he’s a must-see prospect.

Cooper Nelson is a guard that sets a good pace on offense always making sure his teammates are set before running plays. He can either push the pace or slow the pace down doing both well with the ball in his hands. When it comes to shooting the ball, he shoots with a nice form from the perimeter converting multiple of those opportunities. As get gets downhill he will occasionally pop mid-range jumpers off the dribble with a nice touch. When transition opportunities start, he runs his lanes correctly off the ball spotting up for perimeter jumpers or getting easy layups. Cooper really had an impressive showing against Nike Pro Skills San Antonio as he got into the lane with ease scoring at an elite level inside the paint using his quick handle and counter moves to his advantage. Expect Cooper to be on college radars during his senior campaign if he keeps up this level of play!

Cooper Nelson Cooper Nelson 5'10" | PG Sterlington | 2026 State LA might be the most recognizable 2026 player in North Louisiana, and he had an incredible summer. I watched him score 30 points in a single half without missing a shot, all while playing within the team’s offense. Nelson can hit the three, knock down mid-range shots, finish ambidextrously at the rim, and he’s a dedicated defender. With supreme ball-handling skills, he consistently finds teammates cutting to the basket. He’s in the gym to compete and has shown noticeable growth in strength and skill since last season. Nelson is a baller in any gym, and he will be one to watch this weekend. Get your popcorn when Cooper is playing.