Woodlawn Opens the Season With Statement Win Behind Kyle Cooper’s Huge Debut

The Woodlawn Cardinals opened their season with a 66–46 win over Metro-East Lutheran, and honestly they looked in control pretty much the whole night. The biggest difference was the defense. Woodlawn’s length and activity threw Metro-East off from the start, forcing over 20 turnovers. Just constant hands in passing lanes. Missed reads. Rushed decisions. And the height factor was a problem too, because the Knights struggled to finish anything around the rim.

Kyle Cooper made his Woodlawn debut after three years at Waltonville, and he didn’t waste any time showing what he can do. Dropped 27 points and looked super comfortable. Like he’s been in that system forever.

Luke McKay and Tyson Frick both stepped up with 14 points each, giving Woodlawn steady scoring the whole way. On the other side, Metro-East senior Kaleb Turney led the Knights with 14. One of the few guys who really handled Woodlawn’s pressure at all.

Luke Cooper and the Cardinals in their debut vs Metro-East Lutheran

And then the story behind it all. Kyle finally gets to play for his brother, head coach Luke Cooper, who’s in year four at Woodlawn. Plus his uncle Rob Flanagan on staff. Flanagan was a coaching legend for the Olney/Richland County Tigers. Flanagan picked up 489 wins with 313 losses at Richland County. Also had a team that finished third place in the state in 2008. Both Kyle and Coach Flanagan coming over are huge additions to the Woodlawn Cardinals.

Full Game Highlights: https://youtu.be/Y44qh5vXuSk

River Radio Sports Central Recap: https://www.riverradiosportscentral.com/2025/11/25/new-look-woodlawn-cardinals-pull-away-late-to-down-metro-east-lutheran/

Podcast Episode Featuring Kyle and Luke Cooper: https://youtu.be/BQQUBK0NRao