Cooper Watkins

The Jefferson West baseball team have won their first 15 games in 2026 and Cooper Watkins has been a big reason for the Tigers' success so far. 

The senior is a perfect 5-0 on the mound with 35 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched with his ERA at 1.05. Last week at Riley County, Cooper surpassed 250 career strikeouts. 

Cooper has been just as good at the plate hitting .436 with 17 RBI's and 17 runs scored. 

Cooper was a first team all-league selection in the Big East last season. The Tigers are the defending league champs and will look to make another run to the state tournament this season. 

Photo credit - Stacy Beilman