FREEPORT (WREX) - Highland standout Sophomore Troy Cole Jr. is on his way to further his basketball and academic career at NCAA Division 1 Southeastern Missouri State University(SEMO). SEMO competes in the Ohio Valley Conference(OVC). The 6-4 player led the Cougars in points per game in his first and only season with the team, averaging 16.5 a night. Cole earned 1st Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-American honors to end his JUCO career. 

The future Redhawk had a long journey to Division 1. Starting his college career at NCAA Division 3 before transferring to Highland — Cole Jr. credits Highland for paving the way to reaching his dream of playing Division 1 ball. 

"The JUCO atmosphere here was just different," Cole Jr. said. "When I came to JUCO, it was like everybody wanted it more. Every practice was 100 percent, no slacking. Coach wanted me to make sure I was doing everything perfect, he wanted me to critique my game to a point where nobody could stop me. That's what got me to where I am right now." 

Article Courtesy of WREX. Link to video and article below

https://www.wrex.com/news/highlands-troy-cole-jr-commits-to-southeast-missouri-state/article_00debc2e-fd20-11ee-817f-378bca56df98.html