Stanly County star wins Charlotte Observer boys basketball player of the week

South Stanly High School’s Jaquez Cooke is the Charlotte Observer’s boys basketball player of the week.

Cooke, a 6-foot, 175-pound senior, amassed nearly 40,000 votes to win this week’s contest. He finished ahead of Freedom’s Bradley Davis and Mallard Creek’s Kalib Baker.

Last week, Cooke averaged 20 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.3 steals to help South Stanly to wins over Albemarle, North Moore and Uwharrie Charter to earn a share of the Yadkin Valley 1A conference regular season title.

Cooke had 30 points, 10 steals and seven rebounds in a 58-53 win over Albemarle Feb. 14.

On Feb. 12, he had 23 points, 16 rebounds and six assists in a 60-46 win at Uwharrie Charter.

Cooke also had seven points, eight rebounds and three steals in a 47-36 victory over North Moore Feb. 10.

Want to nominate an athlete?: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the Athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardswork23@gmail.com. Please include the athletes’ name, school, class and applicable game performance statistics. Coaches must be willing to verify information.

This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 5:11 PM.