Larry Cantrell was recognized as a Legend of the Game by the Copper Basin Alumni Association during the Cougars basketball contest against Lookout Valley.
Cantrell, a 1965 graduate of Copper Basin, is crediting with having starred on the court for the Cougars for three straight seasons.
After missing his freshman season due to an injury, Cantrell maintained a double-double average the next three seasons
As a sophomore, Cantrell averaged 16.5 points per games.
He led the Cougars with 19.8 points per game and helped them achieve a 17-9 record in his junior season. During thes season, Cantrell and the Cougars defeated West Fannin for the first time in five years, as he led all scorers with 28 points and hit the game-winning basket in double-overtime. Cantrell earned All-Tri-State honorable mention following his junior campaign.
As a Senior, Cantrell averaged 19.5 points per game. The Cougars went 20-5, sweeping Vonore, Etowah, West Fannin and East Fannin. Cantrell poured in 40 points against Vonore and was named to the All-Tri-State team following the season.
Cantrell signed a full scholarship with Auburn University and went on to have an immediate impact, scoring 28 points in his first game. The Auburn freshmen went on to an 18-1 season. Cantrell was selected to the all-tournament team in the American Kiwanis Club’s 2nd Annual College Freshman Basketball tournament for his performance in Auburn’s win over Florida State University.
For the next three seasons, Cantrell would star at West Alabama, formerly known as Livingston University. His name remains on the West Alabama record books for average rebounds per game and most rebounds in a career.