GORE PIRATES
COACH: TW Estes
Record: 17–8
OUTLOOK
The Gore Pirates enter the new season with confidence and continuity under fourth-year head coach TW Estes, returning four starters and several key contributors from last year’s 17–8 squad. With experience, depth, and one of the area’s elite scorers leading the charge, the Pirates have positioned themselves for another strong run in Class 2A. “Returning four starters along with two others that played considerable minutes every game last year. We hope to build off last year’s success.” said Estes.
At the center of Gore’s offensive attack is senior shooting guard Cain Cooper (6-4, Sr.), one of the most productive two-way players in the state and a VYPE Top 100 nominee. Estes praised his senior star’s consistency and dominance. “Cain was selected as Top 100 as a Junior. In his junior season, he scored over 400 points, shooting over 34% from the 3-point line, with 60 assists, 15 blocks, 9 charges, and over 150 rebounds. Night in, night out, Cain is the best scorer on the floor for either team. Last year alone, he had 4 games with 30+ points in 3 quarters. He has a 4.0 GPA, is a member of National Honor Society and Gifted & Talented.” Cooper averaged 19 points per game last season and enters his senior year as the Pirates’ go-to scorer and emotional leader.
Another major piece of the puzzle is sophomore Eli Munson (6-3, So.), who delivered an impressive freshman campaign by averaging over 13 points per game while shooting 31% from deep. Estes expects Munson to make a significant leap. “Last year in Eli’s freshman campaign, he started over 20 games and shot over 31% from the 3, posting over 13 ppg. At 6’3″ and in his sophomore year, we expect him to only shoot it better having been in the situations in the previous season. The adjustment to the physicality of the varsity level has been made, he has matured and grown and developed his shooting range.”
Gore’s roster features impactful returners such as Tate Brooksher (5-9, Sr.), Keeton Rowe (5-10, Jr.), Benson Hunt (5-7, So.), Cruz Ward (5-9, Jr.), Gabe Hefley (6-1, Sr.), Logan Markou (6-4, Sr.), Kyler McGee (5-8, Jr.), and promising freshmen Cruze Duke (5-6, Fr.), Bladyn Smith (5-6, Fr.), and Jace Simmons (5-9, Fr.). Markou, the team’s Character Counts selection, continues to set the standard off the court as a leader in FCA and the school community.
