Eastside Catholic School proudly congratulates Senior Jacob Cofie on being named the 2023-24 Gatorade Washington Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Jacob is the first Gatorade Washington Boys Basketball Player of the Year from Eastside Catholic School. 

Jacob said. "It’s an honor to be listed as one of the great basketball players in Washington State. With so many talented players coming out of the state, I feel blessed to be named alongside these athletes."

The award celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the court, in the classroom and the community, and distinguishes Jacob as Washington’s best high school boys basketball player. From CEOs and coaches to star athletes, Gatorade Player of the Year winners showcase the power of sport, touting an alumni group of current NBA players, including LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jayson Tatum.

Athletic Director Stacey Stoutt said, "Jacob’s relentless pursuit of greatness has led him to the pinnacle of high school basketball in Washington: the 2023-24 WIAA 3A State Championship and the Gatorade Washington Boys Basketball Player of the Year. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to his craft. Everyone at Eastside Catholic is tremendously proud of Jacob and his accomplishments."

Jacob (6-foot-9, 235-pound center) led EC to a 24-6 record and the WIAA 3A State Championship during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 21.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, including 17 points and 13 rebounds in the 65-57 win over Rainier Beach High School in the State championship game. A McDonald’s All-American Game nominee, Jacob is ranked as the nation’s No. 61 recruit in the Class of 2024 by ESPN.

Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Brent Merritt shared, "Jacob displays high-level skills at all positions. He has worked diligently on his ball-handling and passing and is now a triple threat whenever he touches the ball, anywhere on the court."

Jacob volunteers locally with the Boys & Girls Club of King County and donates time as a youth basketball coach. He has maintained a B average in the classroom and signed a national letter of intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Virginia this fall.