When the game is on the line, Mannford senior Cooper Ausbern doesn’t shy away from the moment. “I hit a game-tying left-handed layup last year,” he said, recalling one of his favorite memories on the basketball court. That clutch mentality has become a trademark for the 6’2” senior, who plays both center and power forward for the Pirates. 

Ausbern is a versatile two-sport athlete who also competes in baseball, where he’s earned a scholarship to Rose State College, where he plans to pursue IT studies. In the classroom, he’s equally committed—he’s a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Club—and on the court, he’s a key contributor averaging a double-double this season. 

“I think our team morale is high. We want to compete every night,” Ausbern said. “The want we have this year” is what he believes separates this Mannford team from others. That competitive drive has fueled the Pirates’ push toward their biggest goal: “Have a winning season.” 

With a lineup stacked with size and strength, Ausbern says their inside presence is a major asset. “We have a very strong inside game with our lineup being so big,” he explained. And as one of the anchors in the post, Ausbern knows how to capitalize on matchups. “I look for if the defense has weak help side defense so I can drive,” he said. 

Preparation is key for the senior leader, who makes sure to set the tone long before tip-off. “I try to get some shots up before the game,” he shared. And once the whistle blows, his mindset is laser-focused: “I am not losing this game.” 

Now in his final season at Mannford, Ausbern reflects on what the game has meant to him. “I gave this sport all I had for the time I played here,” he said. With his determined approach, strong leadership, and relentless drive, Cooper Ausbern has left an unmistakable mark on Mannford basketball—on and off the court.