ATLANTA - Two Northwest men's basketball sophomores will take center stage at a pair of showcases later this week.

Guards Jaylon Sanders and Joseph Cooper are set to participate in two events, both held by All-American JUCO Showcase. Sanders will take part in the All-American Open Invitational, scheduled for July 7-8, while Cooper will compete in the All-American JUCO Showcase Invitational from July 9-10.

According to its website, the All-American JUCO Showcase welcomes the top rising sophomores and qualifiers to receive exposure from college coaches, professional scouts and national media. The All-American JUCO Showcase Invitational welcomes the top 200 players from the 2023 JUCO class, while the All-American Open Invitational features the next best 200 players from the 2023 class, as well as remaining uncommitted players from the 2022 class.

Sanders played in 15 games for the Rangers last season, averaging 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He racked up a career-high 19 points in a victory against Southwest Mississippi on February 14, and also averaged 9.6 points per game as a freshman. 

Cooper made an immediate impact on the Northwest roster as a transfer from Pearl River. The Olive Branch native averaged 15.1 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures 19 times last season. His career-best effort came in a 26-point effort against Northeast on January 13.