Inductees

In the history of Missouri high school basketball, no coach has matched the success Cookson had at Scott County Central.  He led the Braves from 1970 to 1995, retired, then returned from 2007 to 2009.  SCC crushed Missouri records with 15 state titles, one second-place, and one third-place finish. His overall record was 694-137 (83.5 winning percentage), and an incredible 28-2 mark in the state final four. Along with those came 20 district titles and 22 conference championships.  He served as the assistant coach on the Braves state championship teams in 2010 and 2011 (58-4).  All this at a 1A public school (the smallest class) that had a reputation for playing all comers, no matter the size.

Cookson approved the start of Scott County Central’s girls basketball program in 1980, serving as their assistant coach from 1980 to 1995.  During those 16 seasons the Bravettes made it to 13 Missouri Final Fours, capturing seven state championships, three 2nd’s, two 3rd’s, and one 4th.

Cookson was selected as the “Coach of the Year” five times by the Missouri Sportswriters Association and nine times by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.