Vicky Tagalicod, the BIIF’s most prominent female basketball player to dawn a Hilo High Viking uniform leaves for California in a few weeks. She will take some summer courses and expect to train at the multi million dollar sports facility at USC. USC Women’s Coach Mark Trakh resigned and was replaced by Michael Cooper.
Cooper comes with a lot of playing and coaching experience. Cooper played for the vaunted “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers of the 80’s, where he helped them win five NBA Championships. His NBA career lasted 12 years as he played with players like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kurt Rambis and James Worthy. Cooper was known for his defensive skills and was instrumental in shutting down the Lakers opponents’ best scorer. Cooper takes over a USC Women’s program that was 17-12 and reached the conference finals. Cooper also coached in the WNBA where he guided the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA Championships in 2001-02. Cooper who has spoken to Tagalicod expects much from the much heralded freshman. Tagalicod was a three time all State first team player and also a fab 15 state selection. She also was named first team BIIF three years. While playing for Hilo High School, she played three years for assistant coach Gary Cooper (no relation). Gary Cooper was also a good defensive specialist in his playing days. Maybe the two Coopers share more common than we know. For Tagalicod it will be a great opportunity to play for a coach who has played on championship teams and also coached champions
Cooper comes with a lot of playing and coaching experience. Cooper played for the vaunted “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers of the 80’s, where he helped them win five NBA Championships. His NBA career lasted 12 years as he played with players like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kurt Rambis and James Worthy. Cooper was known for his defensive skills and was instrumental in shutting down the Lakers opponents’ best scorer. Cooper takes over a USC Women’s program that was 17-12 and reached the conference finals. Cooper also coached in the WNBA where he guided the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA Championships in 2001-02. Cooper who has spoken to Tagalicod expects much from the much heralded freshman. Tagalicod was a three time all State first team player and also a fab 15 state selection. She also was named first team BIIF three years. While playing for Hilo High School, she played three years for assistant coach Gary Cooper (no relation). Gary Cooper was also a good defensive specialist in his playing days. Maybe the two Coopers share more common than we know. For Tagalicod it will be a great opportunity to play for a coach who has played on championship teams and also coached champions
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