Panthers’ coach wins tourney

Published 12:12 pm Friday, May 1, 2020

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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Trent Cook was the big winner during the LaGrange College Sports Management Club’s NBA2K Esports tournament on Wednesday night.

Cook, an assistant coach on the LaGrange College football team, had a first-round bye before winning four games to capture the championship.

Cook, an experienced gamer, went into the event expecting to compete for the title.

“I was coming into win,” Cook said. “I’m going to be humble about it whether I win or lose, but I wouldn’t waste my time if I didn’t have a chance. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go.”

Cook was playing with the Lebron James-led Cavaliers who won the NBA championship in 2016, and he rode that team to the title.

In the championship game, James was impossible to stop, just as he was during the NBA championship series against Golden State in 2016.

“I just drove to the paint, and let all 6-9, 250-pounds of muscle just drive in,” Cook said. “He got hot in the first three minutes and ended up dropping 47 for me. I wouldn’t be here without LeBron.”

Some of the money raised during the tournament went to a Columbus-area food bank that covers an area that includes LaGrange.

Students in the LaGrange College Sports Management Program ran the tournament, with players participating via Twitch.

OF NOTE: For much more on the tournament, see Saturday’s sports section.