Coaches Corner | GOAT Status – How Raymond Cooper’s Comets Reclaimed the Throne
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When the final horn sounded inside Bank OZK Arena last March, the scoreboard told a story that will be etched into Arkansas basketball lore. Mills University Studies High School had clawed back from a deficit that lingered until the final period, rallying past Morrilton’s Devil Dogs 56‑51 to win the Class 4A boys state championship. It was the kind of finish that cements legacies, and at its center stood head coach Raymond Cooper a man who turned heartbreak into history and, in doing so, reignited whispers about his “GOAT” status among Arkansas high‑school coaches.
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A comeback rooted in belief
Coach Cooper’s fifth state title didn’t come easy. The Comets trailed after each of the first three quarters, and Cooper spent much of the night searching for answers. In the third quarter, forward Anthony Hester rolled an ankle, momentarily hobbling Mills’ interior presence. Cooper’s response was vintage: trust your culture, adjust on the fly and empower your players. He turned loose sophomore Marshall Walls, whose fearless drives kept the Comets within striking distance, and leaned on senior floor general Zaylin Rowland to keep everyone poised. It worked. Rowland, who would later be named tournament MVP, finished with 10 points while orchestrating the offense and playing lockdown defense. Walls poured in 19 points and Hester, taped up and grimacing, added 13 clutch points in the fourth quarter. Mills closed the season 35‑1.
Inside the Coaches Corner interview
In the latest Coaches Corner episode, Cooper sat down with FAB44TV Insider to relive that night. His demeanor was equal parts reflective and fiery. He bristled at the notion that his fifth ring was all about personal legacy.
“GOAT? That’s for y’all to debate,” Cooper laughed. “All I know is these kids refused to quit. We were down three different times and never panicked. Zaylin is our heartbeat; he kept everyone calm. Marshall and Anthony made plays when their number was called. Our bench—guys like Milan McDaniel and Joseph Bell—brought energy when we needed it. That’s Mills basketball.”
Cooper explained that the turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. After Hester re‑entered the game, he and Walls executed a high‑low set that produced back‑to‑back scores, forcing Morrilton to extend its defense. With space to operate, Rowland then found Hester on a baseline cut that gave Mills its first lead since the opening moments.
“We call that set ‘24 strong,’” Cooper revealed. “It’s not fancy—it’s a throwback to our 2020 run. But it works because the kids believe in each other. Once we went up two, I could see the confidence in their eyes.”
Building a dynasty, and a community
What makes Cooper’s run special isn’t just the hardware; it’s the culture he has cultivated. Mills’ players talk about practices that feel like masterclasses, film sessions that double as motivational seminars and a locker room where ego checks at the door. For Cooper, this title validated years of investing in young men who often arrive from challenging backgrounds.
He praised the Pulaski County community for rallying around his program. After the championship, state legislators introduced a resolution honoring the Comets’ 35‑1 season and their roster that includes standouts like Marshall Walls, Milan McDaniel, Joseph Bell, Zaylin Rowland, Vance Greenlaw and Anthony Hester. The resolution even noted Hester’s brief injury and heroic return, underscoring how deeply the team’s grit resonated across Arkansas.
“This isn’t just a basketball team; it’s a family,” Cooper told Coaches Corner. “We’ve got kids who grew up together, parents who car‑pool to tournaments and alumni who still show up to practice. When I look at that 56‑51 score, I see a whole community that refused to be denied.”
What’s next for Mills
While Cooper dodges the GOAT label, his track record speaks volumes. Since taking over at Mills, he has transformed the program into a perennial contender, collecting five state titles in seven years and producing college‑ready talent each season. Looking ahead, he’s excited about the next wave: underclassmen like Walls and freshmen phenom Tyson Thompson, who have already shown flashes of brilliance.
Still, Cooper refuses to rest on past glory. “Our standard doesn’t change,” he said. The goal is another trip to Hot Springs and, perhaps, a sixth ring. For now, though, the Comets will savor a comeback for the ages—a win that reaffirmed their coach’s legendary status and reminded Arkansas why Mills basketball is synonymous with heart, resilience and, yes, greatness.
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