The Past
The dynamic duo of Shedric Cooper and Jordan Willis came to fruition in sixth grade, when the two first met. Ever since, they have dominated courts together, and they have placed the Thomasville Bulldogs on the map as perennial title contenders in Class AA.
The two welcomed basketball into their lives at an early age. Both have spent time playing on various Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams in Georgia and Florida, and have learned unforgettable lessons in the process.
“I’ve learned that procrastination is not an option,” Cooper says. “I’m a hard worker, and I know that nothing worth having comes easy. And having a teammate like Jordan, he pushes me to do better. We work out together, and we’ve got each other’s backs.”
Willis shares a similar sentiment with that of his teammate.
“You have to be prepared for anything,” he says. “There’s constant change in this game. Things happen, and you’ve got to be ready for them when they do. It takes focus; you can’t let distractions get in your way.”
Since entering high school together, the duo, both four-year lettermen for Coach Benjamin Tillman’s Thomasville High School Bulldogs, have amassed a current record of 56-33, including playoff appearances in every year since their freshman season (2012-13).
The Present
The Bulldogs had an impressive showing in the 2014-15 season. After starting the year losing two of their first three, they would go on a tear; they reeled off 10 straight wins between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, including blowouts over Brooks County (Quitman, Ga.), Berrien (Nashville, Ga.) and their cross-town rivals, the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets.
Their momentum followed them into the 2015 GHSA State Playoffs, where they made their presence known, defeating their first two opponents, McIntosh County Academy (Darien, Ga.) and Greene County (Greensboro, Ga.) by an average of 13 points per contest. However, the third time would prove not to be a charm as the Bulldogs fell, 80-65, to the eventual state runner-up Crawford County Eagles (Roberta, Ga.).
At the conclusion of the season, the team had its share of individual accolades, led by Willis being named to the All-State team for his efforts throughout the year. But in the end, the ultimate goal was missed, and that is something that Bulldogs have not forgotten.
“We’re hungry,” Cooper says. “That loss hit all of us pretty hard. This year, we won’t accept anything less. We just have to grind it out and take what we know is ours.”
With a state championship as their end goal, the Bulldogs are off to an impressive start; they are undefeated on the season after a 37-point win in their season-opening scrimmage against Mitchell County Eagles (Camilla, Ga.) and sweeping a home-and-away series against the Valdosta Wildcats (Valdosta, Ga.).
“What these two young men bring to this team, it’s hard to put into words,” Coach Tillman says. “They are hard workers, they’re great teammates, and most of all, they’re humble. They don’t let success go to their head.”
The Future
Being the final season for Cooper and Willis, eyes are already looking to the next level for both of these young stars. Both have garnered interest from collegiate programs; Cooper has drawn attention from Florida A&M, University of Mobile, Thomas University, and Valdosta State, while Willis has heard from Murray State and Valdosta State (among others).
“Only time will tell, but as far as the next level goes, I’m willing to bet we will see both of them there,” Coach Tillman says. “It’s only a matter of time before they’re offered scholarships to play college ball. I’m sure.”
While both players have seen interest from numerous schools, neither has made a decision as to where he would like to attend.
“It’s still up in the air,” Cooper says. “I’m not sure where I’ll be going, but I do know that I would like to study business and computer science. Eventually, I would like to use that education to start my own computer programming business.”
Likewise, Willis is unsure of his destination, but knows the path that he would like his future to take.
“I plan to major in nursing,” he says. “I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I know that I want to, one day, work at a big-time hospital. I just want to know that I can help people in need.”
One thing is for certain. The Thomasville Bulldogs have two tremendous student-athletes leading the way for the 2015-16 basketball season. And win or lose, the school and the community are extremely proud of the duo of Shedric Cooper and Jordan Willis.
“Jordan and Shedric work so hard,” Coach Tillman says. “They’re both incredibly focused, they are well-mannered, they don’t take any nonsense, and their respect for others speaks volumes. I am proud to call them Bulldogs.”
Sidebars
About Jordan Willis: While his on-court ability is earning him countless awards, it is Willis’ performance in the classroom that makes him so special. A student of Thomasville High’s Scholar’s Academy, he carries a 3.3 grade point average and has completed numerous Advanced Placement and Honors classes throughout his high school career. His efforts will be thoroughly rewarded; he will earn an Associate’s Degree upon graduating in 2016.
About Shedric Cooper: Aside from his talent on the court and in the classroom (where he holds down a 3.3 GPA while taking primarily AP courses), Cooper takes pride in giving back to the community as well. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, the entire team partnered with the local police department to serve meals to members of the community. “This year, we probably fed about 500 people,” Cooper says. “It’s just a great feeling, to know that you can make that kind of a difference. I’m proud to be a part of this community, and it’s events like this one that I’ll never forget.”
Cooper on Willis: “He’s such a hard worker. Back in middle school, I looked up to him; I wasn’t as polished then and I used to watch things he would do so that I could get better. He’s just a great teammate. And off the court, he’s an even better person. He’s like a brother to me; anything he ever needs, he knows I’m there for him.”
Willis on Cooper: “Shedric is probably the best on-court leader I’ve ever played with. He’s demanding, but he leads by example. Off the court, he’s exactly what a leader should be. He’s respectful, he works hard, and he stays out of trouble. And as long as we’ve known each other, he’s always been there for me. I see him as family.”
South Georgia / January 2016
Jordan Willis and Shedric Cooper
Thomasville High School
Thomasville, Ga.
The Fight in the ‘Dogs: Cooper and Willis Aim for the Top
By James Washington
