Blanchard’s Cole Watkins
Blanchard High School’s Cole Watkins has played basketball as long as he can remember.
“Growing up, my dad was a basketball coach so I was always around it,” said Watkins.
Watkins has played every position from point guard to center, and now the 6-foot-4 senior starts at forward for the Blanchard Lions.
“Cole will be a major force for us this year,” said head coach Jeff Word. “He’s had a tremendous off-season in the weight room and increased size and speed. He averaged 13 points per game last year, however, in the playoffs is where he carried us – averaging over 20 points per game. He is being recruited by quite a few D-1 and D-2 football programs. His ceiling is really high.”
Watkins is close with his teammates, and he looks forward to having a great final high school season with them. The Lions will definitely be contenders this year with all five starters returning. Being a part of this well-oiled machine gives Watkins extra motivation to make the most of this season.
“My teammates mean everything to me. I have been playing with them since my freshman year and we have some good team chemistry,” said Watkins. “I would say the opportunity we have with the guys we have makes me stay motivated this year especially.”
Watkins says that he doesn’t get lost in the particulars when it comes to pre-game rituals or who their opponent is – he is just focused on what happens on the court.
“But I do love the big games,” he admits. “My favorite memory would definitely be my sophomore year playing in the big house.”
In addition to supporting his athletic career, Watkins says that his parents are his role models in all aspects of life. They have instilled a good sense of character in him that is important on and off the court.
“It means to do the right thing when no one’s looking or when you get no recognition for something,” he said.
Outside of sports, his favorite subject is media class with Mrs. Robertson. After graduation, Watkins plans to play football at UCO.
