Anclote’s Mike Cooper steps down as boys basketball coach

Anclote’s Mike Cooper, who led the boys basketball program to two straight playoff appearances and its first postseason win, resigned on Monday. 

There were several factors that led to his decision. Cooper said he recently had a job promotion as a chef, a position that puts him in high demand. He also said he has a chance to coach at the college level next year. And by stepping down, Cooper now has more time to watch his sons, Marquez (Bluefield State) and Jalen (Palm Beach Atlantic), play in college. 

“I want to see as  many of my sons’  games this season as possible if COVID will let that happen because if I do get into college coaching I want to have that time, too,” Cooper said. “So I think it’s the right time.”

Cooper went 74-40 in his four seasons with the Sharks. Better still, he led the program to two of its three playoff appearances in school history. This past season, Cooper was selected as the Sunshine Athletic Conference’s Western Division coach of the year.