MONTICELLO  – University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball coach Chris Ratcliff has announced the signing of Morgan Cole and Nykita Gordon as late signing period additions to the 2009-10 squad.
 
Cole joins the team after an impressive career at Wickes High School, while Gordon, a West Helena native, transfers to UAM after a standout sophomore season at Arkansas Baptist College.
 
At Wickes High School, Cole enjoyed an Arkansas All-State senior season after averaging 16.8 points per game and shooting 52 percent from the field. She also nailed 26-of-82 three-point attempts for a 32 percent finish beyond the arc. Those numbers also earned her an invitation to participate in the 2009 Arkansas All-Star Game.
 
As a junior, Cole averaged 19.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
 
Throughout her four-year career at Wickes, Cole was named to the all-district, all-region and all-state teams, as well helping the Lady Warriors to an overall record of 145-14.
 
“Morgan brings a lot to the table for us,” said Ratcliff. “She can run the floor extremely well and also provides a tough matchup for defenders with her outside shooting ability.”
 
Gordon joins the Cotton Blossoms after averaging 13.3 points, 6.3 assists and two steals per game in her single season at Arkansas Baptist. She began her collegiate career at Florida Gulf Coast Junior College, where her team won the 2007-08 NJCAA national championship. During the championship campaign, Gordon averaged just over four points and two assists per game as a freshman.
 
At West Helena High School, Gordon earned Arkansas All-State honors as a junior and senior, while picking up All-Tournament honors and a Tip-Off Club Player of the Week award during her career. She was also invited to play in the 2007 Arkansas All-Star Game.
 
“We are excited and fortunate to be able to sign Nykita,” said Ratcliff. “She had offers from two different D-1 mid-major schools, but she stuck with us because she believed in what we are doing here at UAM… She has a great mid-range game and knows how to win.”
 
Cole and Gordon join Chasity Seale from North Little Rock High School as the most-current additions to UAM’s roster in the late signing period.