Arizona’s High School All American Marquis “Mookie” Cook
NaTyshca Pickett
On Tuesday Mar. 7, AZ Compass Prep honored senior Marquis “Mookie” Cook in a jersey dedication ceremony to celebrate him before he plays on the national stage at the 2023 McDonald’s All American Games in Houston.
Out of 722 prospects from all 50 states, Marquis was 1 of 24 chosen to participate in the 2023 McDonald's All American Games in Houston. Marquis will compete for the Boys West Division, representing AZ Compass Prep School.
“It’s a blessing to have this opportunity and I know not many people get to experience this. So I want to soak it all in and have fun, Cook told Arizona Coffea.”
Cook is an ESPN 5-star recruit rated #15 in the class committed to play in his home-state at the University of Oregon. His early career was launched at Portland, Oregon's Jefferson High School, which boasts one of the best high school basketball programs in the nation.
Before Cook transferred to AZ Compass as a junior, he played a crucial role in their drive to the state title. Marquis grew into one of the country's top stars while playing for AZ Compass Prep last year. He was instrumental in their team's success, earning AZ Compass Prep a spot in the Geico Nationals.
Photo credit: Anneke Mitchell
“When we first started this program six years ago, we always wanted to have a McDonald’s All American. We’ve always had great players who came to our school and Marquis was already a high rank when he came to us. Last year was a good season and I think that really helped him. This year he’s also been consistent. Having a McDonald’s All American is one of those things we can cross off our bucket list. We already have high major D1 players and NBA players, and now we have a McDonald’s All American who have all come from our school, so it really means a lot,” AZ Compass Program Director, Pete Kaffey stated.
Cook’s father, Kenny Cook had this to say when asked how he felt about his son’s accomplishment, “Words can’t describe how I feel because this is one of those things that Marquis wanted for so long and to now see it become a reality is surreal, like a dream. The person who he is on and off the court makes our family so proud.”
Photo Credit: Anneke Mitchell
Cook has won a number of other accolades, including a spot on Oregon's first team all-state and an invitation to the NBA's Top 100 invite-only program.
In the forthcoming film Shooting Stars, Marquis plays the part of NBA superstar LeBron James.
‘In the moment, I didn’t feel the pressure of making the movie, but looking back on it and realizing the impact, I know that it was so dope to be a part of an amazing story and to have the opportunity to be around the “Fab 5,” it was really a dream come true,” Cook stated.
The McDonald’s High School All American game is held March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston.