Inola Middle School eighth grader Cooper Thompson has achieved his dream by winning the Hoop Shoot National Finals at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Cooper’s journey to the top was marked by perseverance and resilience. Four years ago, he stood at the Hall of Fame kiosk, proud to see his brother’s name as a past champion but quietly disappointed after finishing 5th at nationals. Instead of giving up, he returned year after year—earning 4th place, then 3rd—while keeping his dream alive of one day joining his brother on that champion’s list.
This year, in his final attempt before aging out of competition, Cooper captured the national title.
“Watching him walk up to that same kiosk—where years ago I saw tears in his eyes—was a moment I’ll never forget,” said his father, Tucker Thompson. “His resilience, drive, and refusal to give up made it possible.”
Cooper’s victory comes during Enshrinement Weekend, as basketball greats such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Billy Donovan, and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team are inducted into the Hall of Fame.