ROCKINGHAM — History is hard to argue with, and for Jullien Cole, a record night from three-point land has named him the Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week.
A catalyst on offense for the No. 2 Richmond Raiders during the first three games of the 4A East state playoffs, Cole had a career night against No. 31 Purnell Swett High School during the opener last Tuesday.
This is Cole’s third career recognition, the most of any of his Raider teammates or other winter athletes this season.
Athletic Profile
Year: Junior
Winter Sport: Basketball
Position: Wing
Height: 6-4
Years on Varsity: 1 year
“HISTORY” WITH JULLIEN COLE
To start the playoffs, Cole had a huge game in the Raiders’ 96-57 win. He scored a career-high 38 points and set the program single-game record for the most three-pointers made (10).
Cole netted 19 points in the first quarter, dropping five three-pointers, a putback and a dunk. A field goal in the second quarter gave him 21 points at the break.
An explosive third quarter saw Cole end his scoring with his final 17 points. Again, he rattled home five triples and added a pair of free throws.
Just before the end of the third, teammate Jamarion Wall dished a pass to Cole, who made his 10th triple in front of the Raiders’ bench. He finished the game 10-of-15 from beyond the arc (67 percent).
Two days later in the second round against No. 15 Sanderson, Richmond erased a two-point halftime deficit to earn a 74-64 win. Cole was electric again, netting a team-high 30 points, including eight more three-pointers.
Scoring 15 points in each half, he had three triples in the first two periods. All of his second-half points came on three-pointers.
Richmond advanced past the third round on Saturday with a 72-59 win over No. 7 Lumberton. Cole had a quieter, but still productive night, netting 11 points. He was one of four Raiders to score double digits.
This postseason, Cole is averaging 26.3 points per game and 5.3 boards per contest through three games.
Round four of the NCHSAA 4A East playoffs will take place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. No. 2 Richmond (26-2) will host No. 6 Jordan High School (21-9).
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Athletes of the Week next week.
