Walker’s Jalen Cook named Louisiana Farm Bureau/LSWA Mr. Basketball for 2019

By ROBIN FAMBROUGH
Written by the LSWA
Basketball coaches talk about it and so do players. It seems like everybody knows something about taking his game to a new level.

Walker High’s Jalen Cook illustrated it so well that he has been selected as the Louisiana Farm Bureau/LSWA Mr. Basketball for 2019.

“We knew Jalen would have to shoulder a big load on offense and also take on the major leadership role,” Walker coach Anthony Schiro said. “He did everything we asked of him and the thing about Jalen is he always works. Last summer he spent a lot of time in the gym and got better in every phase of the game.”

While leading Walker to the state title game for the second year in a row, the 6-foot junior guard averaged 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.8 steals per game this season.

A two-sport standout who holds notable scholarship offers for football as a wide receiver-defensive back and a point guard, Cook worked meticulously, making 250 shots each of seven assigned spots on the court daily to perfect his shooting touch.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve always played aggressive and more than anything else, I want to win,” Cook said. “I hate losing. When you win, it makes my teammates and the fans happy. I want to be the best at everything, and I want my team to be the best at everything.”

The Wildcats lost to Thibodaux in the Class 5A title game in March, a year after winning the 5A title, the school’s first in boys basketball.

Cook was more of a facilitator for Walker’s 2018 title team. Two games in 2019 provide examples of Cook’s ability to take over a game. He scored 38 points in a win over Scotlandville and 37 in a semifinal victory over second-seeded Ouachita Parish.

“When Jalen Cook steps on the floor, he wants to be the best player out there in every phase of the game,” Madison Prep coach Jeff Jones said. “He’s not just a guy who can score. He wants to guard the best player on the other team too.”

Scotlandville coach Carlos Sample adds, “You can see how he worked to improve his game with the season he had. I also like that passion Jalen plays with.”

La. Farm Bureau/LSWA Mr. Basketball winners
1996: Lester Earl, Glen Oaks
1997: Marcus Fizer, Arcadia
1998: Stromile Swift, Fair Park
1999: Bernard King, Gibsland-Coleman
2000: Chris Duhon, Salmen
2001: Donald Perry, McCall-Tallulah
2002: Darrel Mitchell Jr., St. Martinville
2003: Paul Millsap, Grambling
2004: Glen Davis, University
2005: Tasmin Mitchell, Denham Springs
2006: Demond Carter, Reserve Christian
2007: Greg Monroe, Helen Cox
2008: Greg Monroe, Helen Cox
2009: Joevoskie Mitchell, Zwolle
2010: Markel Brown, Peabody
2011: Ricardo Gathers, Riverside
2012: Dee Wagner, Peabody
2013: Jarell Martin, Madison Prep
2014: Reginal Johnson Jr., Richwood
2015: Brandon Sampson, Madison Prep
2016: Ja’Vonte Smart, Scotlandville
2017: Ja’Vonte Smart, Scotlandville
2018: Ja’Vonte Smart, Scotlandville
2019: Jalen Cook, Walker