Senior midfielder breaks career points record, leads Southern Alamance boy's lacrosse past Eastern Alamance

Talan Cook’s journey to becoming Southern Alamance’s all-time points leader began long before his name topped the record books. As a young player, he was already invested in the team's culture, watching his older brother play before joining the team himself. 

“He’s always been a part of the team, even before he was actually on it,” Southern Alamance head coach Jack Winn said. 

On April 1, Cook’s four-goal performance in a 15-1 win over Eastern Alamance not only led his team to victory but also secured his place in the program’s history as he broke the career points record. Cook reflected on the milestone with a sense of gratitude. 

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I never thought I’d do it.” 

Southern Alamance is off to one of its best starts to a season in recent memory with an 11-2 record, led by Cook, who has been on varsity since his freshman year, making an impact from day one. Now a senior, his experience and skill have been crucial in Southern’s success so far this season. 

Winn praised Cook’s impact on the team. 

“He’s a leader on and off the field,” he said. “He loves the game, and more importantly, loves the team.” 

Cook’s strong offensive showing, combined with Southern’s suffocating defense, allowed the Patriots to be more aggressive throughout the night, constantly generating shots on goal while taking calculated risks. 

“We can try more stuff that we’re not as comfortable with, knowing that if we turn the ball over, they’re going to make the stop,” Cook said. 

That confidence has fueled Southern’s success all season, and with the postseason approaching, the Patriots know they must keep pushing forward. 

For Cook, breaking the program’s career points record is a special milestone, but his focus remains on what’s ahead. 

“Just don’t lose. Can’t lose,” he said, summarizing the team’s mindset as it heads into the final stretch of the season. 

Southern, riding a four-game winning streak with nine wins in its last 10 games, faces a crucial stretch ahead. 

Cook knows the real test lies in upcoming conference matchups against the only two teams to defeat them this season. 

“We’ve got to beat Orange and Seaforth,” he said. 

With a record in hand and bigger goals in sight, Cook and the Patriots will look to extend their winning streak when they travel to Western Alamance on April 4.