Cole signs with UMSL

ST. LOUIS -- Richland basketball standout Sherome Cole has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The 5-foot-10 point guard led Southeast Missouri in scoring as a senior this year, averaging 27 points per night for the Rebels.

"I could've gone JUCO, but instead I decided to go Division II," explained Cole. "I didn't want to go through the whole recruiting process again in two years. I wanted to go to a four-year school where I could get my degree out of the way. I chose (UMSL) because it's close to home and they've got a really nice campus."

Cole had other offers from Moberly, West Plains, Missouri Valley, Southwest Baptist, Hutchison (Kan.) and John Wood (Ill.).

"I can be a perfect fit there," said Cole. "I saw a game tape when I was up there and saw how they get the ball out and go. I can do that."

UMSL head coach Mark Bernsen also has high expectations for Cole in his system.

"We like to press and we like to run," said Bernsen. "That lends itself to Sherome's athletic ability. There are some openings at our guard position. I think he has a pretty good feel for how to play from the neck up. From the neck down, he has tremendous quickness. I kind of think he will step right in and contribute next year."

"We saw him in a workout, and his athletic ability and his academic prowess were very, very appealing," added Bernsen. "He's a 3.2 student, he's averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds and he's first team all-state. Why wouldn't somebody want that? I'm a firm believer that people perform according to expectations, and I have high expectations for Sherome."

Cole started for Richland the last four years. This year he was named Stoddard County Conference Player of the Year. "(Bernsen) said it best to me the other day," said Richland coach Jimmy Lincoln. "He's signing a Division I point guard at the Division II level because he played at a small school in Southeast Missouri. If Sherome comes physically and mentally ready to play, they think he can play 25 to 30 minutes a night next year."

Cole, 18, is undecided on a major at this point. Last year the Rivermen went 10-17. They play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

"I plan on producing right away," said Cole. "I'm going to come in and work real hard for a starting position. I need to improve on the defensive end. Everybody knows I can score, now I have to show people I can play defense too."