2023 Wrestler of the Year: Alex Hopper
Now that the winter sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next few days, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in swimming & diving, wrestling and basketball.
The Coastal Preps Wrestler of the Year is senior Alex Hopper of Laney.
Alex’s Accomplishments
For the second year in a row, Alex Hopper capped an incredible season with a pin in the final of the NCHSAA State Championship.
Hopper avenged an earlier-season loss against Lumberton’s Jackson Buck with a pin in 2:37 at 182 pounds. He became the fourth Laney wrestler to claim a pair of state titles.
The senior went 53-2 with 49 wins coming via pin, injury default or forfeit. For his career, Hopper was 172-11 with 142 pins.
Hopper’s run to the state title also featured two pins and a tech fall.
The Buccaneers claimed a third straight 4A team title by scoring 118.5 points. They also reached the dual team state championship for the second year in a row.
Hopper will continue his career at Appalachian State.
More about Alex
Favorite Restaurant(s): Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Movie(s): Forrest Gump
Favorite TV Show(s): The Office
Favorite Athlete(s): Jordan Burroughs
Favorite memory from this season: Winning states and winning team individual states.
Favorite memory from your career: Our team winning the dual team finals.
Favorite thing about your school or team: How close we are
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: Sing and dance before matches
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?: Australia
If you could switch places with any person (real or fictional) for a day who would it be?: Batman
Are you a morning or night person?: Morning
What is something you could eat for a week straight?: Chipotle
What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Oreo
What app on your phone do you use the most?: TikTok and YouTube
What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I can rap really badly good
What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island? An airplane, air plane fuel and the movie Kung Fu Panda
Would you rather dance or sing in front of a group of people?: Sing
