"The High-Rising Hammer Who Turns Energy Into Impact"

Cooper Michalski

@CooperMichalsk1

IG: @coopermski

6’3, 185lbs, Class of 2026

Chequamegon HS, WI

Cooper Michalski plays this game like a living highlight reel wrapped in power, poise, and pure instinct. He is a dynamic gem with explosive elevation, violent bounce, and a smooth three-point rainmaker that forces defenders to pick between getting beat off the dribble or getting served by a jumper. He is strong, athletic, and fearless. His ball handling slices defenders apart, his mid-range elevation is picture-perfect, and his finishing ability turns contact into fuel. Cooper reads the floor with fierce clarity, fires off accurate dimes, and rebounds like a forward trapped inside a guard’s body. On defense, he becomes a scrappy disruptor and a ruthless shot blocker who looks for mistakes and punishes hesitation. He can score at will, take over a possession, take over a quarter, and take over a game. When the ball finds him, it feels like anything is possible.

This past season, Cooper stuffed the stat sheet with 22.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, proving exactly how complete his impact truly is. His biggest improvement came from deep. He committed the offseason to expanding his shooting and tightening his playmaking, and the work paid off in real-time production. Now his eyes are locked on the next phase. He is preparing for college basketball by expanding his shooting range and getting comfortable with the longer line. His goals are sharpened. His energy is locked in. And he is ready for an even bigger jump this year.

The season ahead is fueled by hunger and built on growth. Last year, his team faced real adversity with tough losses, hard moments, and battles that tested their unity and forged a mentally stronger group. Cooper embraced the pressure, learned from the pain, and watched the entire team harden around the challenge. Now they return without losing a single senior and with a new level of confidence. He cannot wait to take on Phillips High School and Hurley High School, especially after the heartbreak of a buzzer-beater loss last year. Revenge is not the mission, growth is. But Cooper loves competition, the energy of the moment, and proving what happens when hard work meets opportunity.

Coaches should know they will get maximum intensity, full effort, and a competitor who refuses to slow down from Cooper every time he steps on that floor. He brings energy that shifts the building, and plays with passion that lifts his teammates. He handles adversity by reminding himself of the hours he has poured into the craft. He trusts his preparation, his work, and the best coaching advice he ever received, "Play your role and do what helps your team win". He can lead when needed, score when needed, defend when needed, and adjust to whatever the game demands.

Off the court, Cooper loves spending time with family and friends, staying surrounded by the people who shape him and keep him balanced.

But above everything else sits one core truth he carries with pride-His relationship with God. Cooper’s love for Jesus Christ is woven into his identity as tightly as the game he plays. His faith is not an accessory. It is his foundation. He is intentional about growing spiritually, spending time in prayer, staying close to God, and letting that relationship guide his decisions, his mentality, and his purpose. Basketball is a blessing he never takes for granted, and he uses the talent God gave him to glorify Him every time he steps on the floor. His strength in adversity comes from trusting God’s plan. His composure comes from knowing he is never walking alone. His growth as a player mirrors his growth as a believer. For Cooper, faith is not a section of his life. It is the heartbeat behind everything he does.

I assess that Cooper’s combination of athletic bounce, smooth scoring touch, elite rebounding for his position, and fierce competitiveness gives him a presence college programs love. His ability to attack off the dribble, score in the midrange, shoot from deep, and bring nonstop energy on defense makes him a multi-level threat who can thrive in different systems. His selfless mindset, coachability, and willingness to adjust his role elevate team chemistry and make him a culture builder from day one.

Cooper is headed for a breakout rise that will catch the attention of coaches at the next level. His expanded shooting range, growing playmaking, and relentless desire to compete position him for a monster junior and senior season. With his athleticism, IQ, faith-driven focus, and love for competition, he has the potential to become a complete college guard capable of impacting games with scoring, rebounding, defending, and leadership. Expect a player whose ceiling rises every year and whose future shines as bright as the work he is willing to put in. This train is picking up steam; get on board now.