Coweta’s Connor Jensen

By Elizabeth Contreras

What began with a Little Tikes hoop at age two ignited senior Connor Jensen’s enduring love for basketball.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was four,” Jenson explained.

As a senior leader, Jensen has become known for his energy, humor, and ability to bring people together.

“I’m a team leader and I like to make practice fun and enjoyable for everyone,” he said. “I play pretty fast, and I like to get to the rim.”

His approach to the game combines focus with an emphasis on brotherhood, a balance that keeps both morale and performance high. Close friends, he shared, have played a significant role in his basketball journey, many of whom are fellow seniors. With a strong senior class and deep chemistry, this year’s team is tightly bonded.

“We are all great friends on and off the court,” he said, “We have a lot of seniors who have played together for years.”

Jenson takes on the leadership role with pride, placing emphasis on having fun in the sport.

“I think it’s cool that younger players look up to me and ask me what to do, or if they are doing things right,” he added.

Jensen’s personal goal this season is to earn a spot on the All-District Team while helping lead the Tigers to State. To prepare, he’s focused on sharpening his shooting skills through consistent, dedicated practice.

“I’ve probably worked on shooting the most,” he noted, “and it’s just getting as many reps in as you can.”

Together, the team breaks down film and crafts a game plan for each opponent, walking through potential scenarios before hitting the court. Still, mistakes are an inherent part of the game, and Jensen manages them with composure.

“Tough losses happen, so the next week we just go back over what could have been better,” he said. “While I’m in games, I try to forget any mistakes and just focus on the next play.”

Jenson admitted that balancing life as a student-athlete can be challenging and demanding, and that sacrifice is necessary.

“You have to give up a lot of things you want to do I order to be an athlete,” he said.

Even with a demanding schedule, Jensen prioritizes his academics and takes weekends to unwind, often spending time with those closest to him doing things he enjoys outside of basketball.

“I have to find time outside of basketball to do schoolwork and on the weekends,” he shared. “I like to golf, hunt, and spend time with friends and family.”

After graduation, Jensen plans to attend Oklahoma State University, where he will trade in competitive play for pickup games and new opportunities. As the season unfolds, Jensen plays each game with the same joy that began on that Little Tikes hoop years ago, a reminder that passion, when nurtured, can grow into something far greater than the game itself.