There’s no denying that Bakersfield Lions’ #10, Ethan Cotter, is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, but the 5-foot 10-inch guard has earned a new level of notoriety after making his way into a selective group of accomplished ball players who have made 2,000 points during their high school basketball careers.
Cotter hit the impressive milestone during a Jan. 30 game against the Dora Falcons. The Lions took the win that night with a score of 69-57.
According to the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s record book, only 30 high school boys basketball players have earned the honor in the state’s history. Missouri’s top high school career-point record is still held by Fred Johnson, a 1983-86 Wellsville-Middleton High School player, who made 3,552 points during his high school years.
Lions head basketball coach James Denton said he’s proud of Cotter and the work he’s put in to reach 2,000 points.
“Ethan is a great player, but like I’ve said before, he’s an even better person, and that says a lot about him. He is a high-character guy and one of the hardest working individuals you will find. We are very proud of him, and he has earned all of the success he has had,” Denton told the Times.
The newest milestone is added to a long list of Cotter’s other accolades, which include being named the White River player of the year, class 2 district 10 player of the year and achieving all-state honors as a junior in the 2022-23 season.
Ozarks Sports Zone named him one of the “players to watch” this season, saying “Cotter is a walking highlight reel and one of the most dynamic guards in the Ozarks. His line is one of the most ridiculous we’ve seen since the O-Zone launched, with Cotter averaging 24.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The crazy part is that he’s maybe, approximately 5-foot-9(ish). From his ankle-breaking moves to eye-popping blocks, Cotter is absolutely electric every time he steps on the floor.”
The Bakersfield Lions scoring effort Jan. 30 was led by Morris Collins, who made 24 points that game, followed by Ethan Cotter with 18 points, Mason Bean with 9 points and Tyler Cotter with 7 points.
The Lions were back in action Monday, Feb. 5, at Summersville. They loss the contest 62-68 in a hard-fought match.
The Lions are gearing up for play this week, when they’ll face Couch Friday, Feb. 9.
This Saturday, the boys will play Niangua in their homecoming game. They’ll play one other game against Koshkonong on Feb. 15 before the class 2 district 10 tournament is held Feb. 20-24.