RIMERSBURG — Like most high school basketball players, the beginning of Cole Morris’ varsity career was a modest one.

Since his freshman season ended, however, the Union senior guard’s output has been anything but ordinary.

With a 25-point effort in a win over Sheffield Dec. 29, Morris became the tenth player in school history to reach 1,000 career points.

“I scored 27 points my freshman year, but then I changed my shooting technique,” said Morris, who leads the Golden Knights this season with 18.6 points per game. “I used to have the ball right in front of my face, but I moved it to the side. I spent two months over that summer (2013) working on it. Then after football, I had to get back in the groove. It gave me better range.”

That versatility has taken Morris’ game to another level. He became a starter his sophomore year and was a District 9 First Team selection as a junior after averaging 21.5 points per game and draining 36 3-pointers.

“He was always good 1-on-1, but he has become a better outside threat,” said Union coach Jeff Hepler.

Morris also worked on his ball-handling. Considering he often runs the point for the Golden Knights, that is just as important as his scoring ability.

“He does a bit of everything for us and that’s been a crucial part of our team,” said Hepler, “but he probably plays point guard the most.”

“I don’t have a preference with where I play,” Morris said. “Whatever puts us in the best position to win, I’m okay with it.”

Morris is averaging six assists, five rebounds and 4.5 steals per game. His play on the defensive end has also sparked the team.

“He’s our best defender and always guards the other team’s best player, unless he is 6-4,” said Hepler. “He’s a coach on the floor and is one of the most competitive kids I’ve ever been around.”

Becoming a member of Union’s 1,000-point club was important for Morris.

“I remember watching Scott Booth (Union’s all-time leading scorer at 1,673, Class of 2010) and Brody Pollock (1,263, 2012) get there. To be on the same list as them, it’s a big deal for me,” he said.

Morris is not Union’s lone scoring threat. Lucas Bowser is averaging 15 points per game and Hank Murphy 12.

“I don’t feel pressure to score so many points in a game because we are more balanced offensively,” Morris said. “That’s the biggest difference from last year’s team (which lost in the district quarterfinals). I feel we can win the (KSAC) South and play in the conference title game.”