HANNIBAL — After a decorated high school baseball career with Hannibal, senior Cooper Scott has decided on his future plans.

Scott announced his decision on Monday morning, signing his letter-of-intent to play baseball for the University of Missouri-St. Louis in front of family, friends, teammates and coaches at Korf Gymnasium.

“This summer, I ended up playing really well in the first couple of tournaments,” said Scott. “That helped out and it got a lot of coaches calling me and texting me. Coach (Brandon) Applewhite was one of the first coaches to reach out and get me on campus and it just worked out from there.”

Cooper Scott joins his older brother, Keaton Scott, as a collegiate-level player.

Keaton Scott was Hannibal’s starting catcher for two seasons before graduating in 2022 and signing with Missouri S & T.

“My brother had also helped me,” said Scott. “My brother went through this process a few years ago, so he was able to kind of lead me through it. He was showing me what to text the coaches and what to say on call.”

Scott will major in business once at UMSL.

Coach Applewhite is an assistant coach under head coach Scott Eul for the Tritans and is in his third year as recruiting director for UMSL, playing a big role in bringing Scott into the program.

“The coaches had a big impact,” said Scott. “Coach Applewhite came to watch me play eight or nine games in a row. So I truly believe that he knows the player that I am and he knew that I fit in with the program. He liked how I hit the ball and how I ran the bases.”

Last season, Scott was an All-Conference selection as a center fielder after batting .308 with a .504 on-base percentage, 33 runs, two doubles, one home run and seven RBIs.

Besides that, Scott set a Hannibal single-season record with 36 stolen bases as the team’s primary leadoff hitter.

“That’s the biggest thing for me,” said Scott. “If I can get to first base to third base by stealing bases without getting a hit, it really helps. Then, usually the guy behind me drives me in.”

Scott has proven to be a versatile player with the Pirates, playing his first two seasons as a first baseman before switching to outfield his junior season. He has also pitched for Hannibal.

He will remain in the grass once at UMSL.

“They’re bringing me in as an outfielder,” said Scott. “I played first base the first two years here (at Hannibal), so if they ever need me there, I’m ready.”

One of Scott’s favorite memories at Hannibal is when the Pirates defeated Hickman in a rainy game in extra innings during his freshman season.

Since then, Scott has developed into a solid, all-around player.

“The hitting aspect has been the biggest thing,” said Scott. “My freshman year, I played pretty well, but my swing wasn’t necessarily the way I liked it. So I worked really hard since then and this summer it was the best my swing has ever looked. So I’m excited about this senior season.”

Scott has also learned a lot from the Hannibal coaching staff.

“The biggest thing is being a competitor,” said Scott. “Coach (Ian) Hatton) always said to just compete. If we can compete, we can win games.”

Besides finishing out his senior season, Scott is looking forward to competing at the collegiate level.

“I would like to come in my freshman year and start right away,” said Scott. “I want to have a big role in UMSL’s lineup.”