The 2023-24 boys basketball season will go down in history at Franklin Regional. The Panthers had an unforgettable run to both the WPIAL and PIAA championship games. One of the driving forces for that team was Cooper Rankin, who is now plying his craft at La Roche University. Rankin is under the microscope in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

During his freshman year at Franklin Regional, the Panthers went 8-8 overall, including 7-3 in section play. With the WPIAL holding an open playoff tournament, the Panthers defeated Armstrong in a preliminary-round contest, but fell to Mars Area in the first round of the bracket.

Rankin emerged as a varsity player in the 2021-22 season, when FR went just 7-14 overall, including 5-7 in section action. As a result, the Panthers failed to qualify for postseason play.

The following campaign, the Panthers compiled a mark of 9-13, including 3-7 in the section. Ravaged by injuries that derailed a promising start to the season, the Panthers again missed the playoffs.

As a senior, however, Rankin enjoyed a special campaign, as he averaged approximately 15 points per game. Moreover, Franklin Regional went 27-4, including 9-1 in the section. In the playoffs, FR defeated Mars Area, Gateway, and Shaler Area to advance to the WPIAL Class 5A Championship. However, the Panthers came up short against Moon Area at the Petersen Events Center. The team rebounded to make another run in the state bracket, however, defeated Warwick, Selinsgrove, and Shaler again, and then avenging the loss against the Tigers. As a result, Franklin Regional reached the PIAA Class 5A Championship in Hershey, where the Panthers fell to powerhouse Imhotep Charter Institute.

Following his graduation, Rankin matriculated to La Roche University, joining the Redhawks for the 2024-25 campaign. The guard appeared in 21 contests, including a pair of starts, posting 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds, while adding 25 assists, nine steals, and six blocks. Collectively, La Roche went 12-15 overall, including 8-8 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). In the conference tournament, the Redhawks ousted Penn State Behrend, but fell to Pitt-Bradford in the semifinals to conclude the campaign.

This season, Rankin has played in 13 contests, all starts, compiling 9.5 points and 3.7 boards, while racking up a team-leading 42 assists, along with 17 steals and five blocks. To this point, La Roche has gone 4-10 overall, but 3-2 in AMCC play.

Cooper dedicated time from his schedule to answer questions about his favorite college road venue, his senior season at Franklin Regional, and who he’d choose to play in a game of one-on-one.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance thus far this season?

A: I would say just going out there on the court every night and being able to give it my all on both sides of the court.

Q: You were primarily a bench player last season, but have started every game this campaign. What are the biggest adjustments to that change?

A: Just going out and playing with confidence, and knowing I am surrounded by a bunch of great teammates.

Q: What is an underrated aspect of your game?

A: Either my defense or my court vision.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for this season?

A: Our goal for the season is to win our conference. We are a young team, so it’s going to take all of us stepping up in the second half of the season and giving it our all.

Q: What has been your favorite road venue you've played at collegiately?

A: I’d say my favorite venue I've played at so far would be Marietta. Their gym was packed and loud, and it was just a great experience.

Q: What led to your decision to attend La Roche?

A: I had a good talk with the coaches, and some old players, and seemed like the fit for me. I also knew a lot of the players who committed here in my class.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: My major is sports management. My ideal profession would be an athletic director or a sports agent.

Q: You were part of a historic run at Franklin Regional in your senior year. What made that team so special?

A: Those are my guys - grew up playing elementary school basketball with that team. So, it was kind of special to see us grown up still playing together and having a shot to win a state championship

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: My favorite experience is having the chance to play in a WPIAL and state championship with my brothers.

Q: Your younger brother is now a star player for the Panthers. How have you aided his basketball career?

A: Just by being there for him and to lift him up. I try to make as many games as I can, and if not, I will be watching it, so we will talk about the game and how it went and what he needs to do differently.

Q: If you could play anyone, past or present, in a game of one-on-one, who would you choose? What would be the outcome in a game to 11?

A: I'm playing MJ (Michael Jordan) and I'm losing 11-0.

Q: To which movie or TV show can you recite nearly every line?

A: The movie Nobody - it's the best action movie out.

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot, or a place you've always wanted to visit?

A: My favorite vacation spot would be Turks and Caicos. I want to go to Greece or Italy.