ROCKINGHAM — A proven asset this season for the Raiders, junior basketball player Jullien Cole has been named the Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
Part of a high-scoring offense and a Richmond team that’s dialed up for a hopeful run at the state championship, Cole has continued to impress during his first winter with the team.
This is Cole’s second recognition this season, having also earned it in December after setting a new single-game career high in points.
Athletic Profile
Year: Junior
Winter Sport: Basketball
Position: Wing
Height: 6-4
Years on Varsity: 1 year
“ON THE COURT” WITH JULLIEN COLE
The Raiders are currently enjoying a season-long 13-game winning streak, two of which came last week against Union Pines and Lee County high schools.
Averaging 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds between the two games, Cole helped the Raiders defeat the Vikings 74-57 on Tuesday and the Yellow Jackets 86-34 on Friday.
Starting the week at Union Pines, Cole netted a game-high 26 points and added seven rebounds. He shot 8-of-17 from the field with a game-high six three-pointers, and it was his third-highest single game point total this season.
Scoring 15 points in the first half, Cole had four points in the first and added 11 points in the second. He knocked down three triples and two free throws. In the third period, Cole rained down a trio of three-pointers before notching two shots from the line in the fourth.
Three nights later, Cole went back to work to support his senior teammates on senior night. He earned a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
One of five players to reach double digits, Cole scored a three-pointer in the first quarter. He helped put the game out of reach with his final eight points in the third frame, part of a 22-point effort by Richmond.
An early two points under the rim led to a jam from Cole, which put the Raiders up 40 points to start the running clock with 6:34 left in the third. He added another field goal and two free throws in the win.
Through 22 games this season, Cole is second on the team in points per game (15.8) and third in rebounds per game (6.6 RPG). Overall, Cole’s 146 rebounds are first and he also leads the team in steals (58).
The conference champion Raiders (20-2, 11-0 SAC) will close the regular season at second place Scotland High School on Friday, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH JULLIEN COLE
Hear from Cole as he discusses his productive week, Richmond’s winning streak and push toward the playoffs, as well as his first college offer.
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Athletes of the Week
next week.
