Meet Cooper Hartley. As a senior guard and a recent transfer from Sumner High School, Cooper has embraced his new home at Bonney Lake with open arms and a clear purpose. His decision to transfer wasn’t solely about basketball—it was about starting fresh, building new connections, and contributing to the school’s culture both on and off the court.
A Fresh Start
When Cooper decided to transfer to Bonney Lake High School for his senior year, it wasn’t primarily for basketball. “I wanted a fresh start and a new beginning with new people—not specifically basketball-related,” he said. “The transition has been amazing, and everyone at Bonney Lake High School has welcomed me with open arms.”
This new chapter also comes with a new head coach for the Panthers—Dave Alwert. Under Coach Alwert’s leadership, the team is working to establish a fresh culture, and Cooper is eager to play a role in that transformation. His early contributions have been a sign of the potential this new-look team has. In his first three games as a Panther, Cooper tallied 41 points and 4 rebounds against Mt. Tahoma, followed by 23 points and 5 rebounds against Yelm, and capped it off with an 18-point, 11-rebound performance against Bethel.
A Legacy Built on Character
Cooper’s basketball journey began in fifth grade, but it wasn’t until he joined the AAU team NW Thunder that he began to truly develop as a player and person. “Coach Darius Alexander changed me into a high-level basketball player and a young man with high-quality character,” Cooper shared. “He pushed me harder to better myself on and off the court. He built my confidence from 0 to 100 in just two years.”
That confidence helped Cooper earn First Team All-League honors last year and a spot in the All-State Rising Stars All-Star Game. Now, he’s bringing that same leadership to Bonney Lake with the hope of creating a lasting legacy. “I want to change the culture of Bonney Lake basketball and turn it into a state tournament program for my teammates and future players.”
Inspiration and Support
Cooper credits his family for shaping him into the person he is today. “My parents have always supported me,” he said. “They took me to all my practices and games growing up and never stopped believing in me.”
He also draws motivation from his younger sister, a freshman at Sumner High School. “She comes to all my games, cheers me on, takes my stats, and always reposts my wins and shoutouts,” Cooper said. “That close brother-sister relationship means so much to me.”
Dreams Beyond Basketball
While basketball has been a significant part of Cooper’s life, his dreams extend far beyond the court. “I’m going to college to study fire science because I’m pursuing a career as a firefighter,” he explained. Though he hasn’t committed to a school yet, he’s focused on finding a program that aligns with his academic goals. Growing up, Cooper dreamed of playing basketball for the University of North Carolina, a testament to his love for the game and admiration for the storied program. While those childhood aspirations have evolved, his dedication to achieving his goals remains unwavering.
Looking Ahead
As the Panthers’ season unfolds, Cooper remains focused on his goals—both on and off the court. With his standout performances, transfer story, and unwavering dedication, he’s already proving to be a game-changer for Bonney Lake. Whether he’s helping lead the Panthers to the state tournament or working toward a career in the fire service, one thing is certain: Cooper Hartley is ready to face every challenge with passion and purpose.