Freshman guard Cooper LeBard went from getting very few varsity minutes to playing a meaningful starting spot for the Spartans. Much hard work and dedication was thrown into the mix as he climbed the ranks.

LeBard started his preparation for his freshman season by playing on an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team, known as the Playmakers. LeBard also played for the Superior Summer League team which was useful for him to build chemistry with upperclassmen he had never played with before.

“Summer league was a good opportunity to get familiar with the kind of things Kory wanted us to do,” LeBard said. “AAU was really fun this summer… I got to play (with) some good players and good teams and it really helped me develop my game.”

LeBard has adjusted well to the move up from junior varsity to varsity with his first significant minutes against New Richmond on Jan. 12 where he scored 11 points, scoring 19 points against Cloquet on Jan. 16, and more recently scoring 8 points against Marshall School on Feb. 5.

Senior captain Landon Anrig has loved seeing LeBard’s growth throughout the high school season and has seen tremendous growth in the LeBard.

“Its been fun playing with him and seeing his progress. From not really knowing him for months, to now playing alongside him, it’s definitely good to see,” Anrig said. “Before he got the starting spot, he was playing very well at the JV level, scoring 20 points a night, so Kory gave him a shot and he delivered.”

LeBard looks to continue his impact with the Spartans next year as a sophomore.