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Cy Springs' Jemini Mitchell
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Nationally-recognized Mitchell continues to make name for herself
IT TOOK NO TIME AT ALL FOR AUDIENCES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE NAME JEMINI MITCHELL.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Cy Springs’ newest star made one the most utterly dominant freshman debuts that the state has seen, having scored 538 points, with 219 rebounds, 70 assists and a team-leading 46 blocks.
This would obviously result in a District 16-6A Newcomer of the Year selection, but she’s much more than just a big body.
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“Most people might lean more towards their shooting ability, which I do think I’m skilled in that area,” said Mitchell. “But, I like to think that my greatest strength relates to my versatility as a player. Sure, I have the size, but I’m able to play inside and outside the paint and I feel that my defense has gotten better over the years.”
Entering her sophomore year, Mitchell is listed as a five-star recruit who’s the No. 1 ranked player in Texas and No. 13 in the nation in the Class of 2027.
That instantaneous level of success, coupled with her growing confidence, could arguably be attributed to the landscape she’s developed her game in.
“Being in this program has really allowed me to grow as a person, even though I’m only entering my second year,” she said. “On and off the court, I feel like my coaches and teammates push me to be better. You have to mature at a rapid pace in order to compete at this level, which is something that really sticks with me.”
Teamwise, the Panthers enjoyed yet another tremendous season this past winter, going 30-3 overall, which included an undefeated district title. They reached the UIL Class 6A Region II Semifinals.
However, they were ultimately thwarted by the eventual State Champs Duncanville, in a tight 48-40 defeat, clearly fueling them for this season.
“I don’t want to go back into the locker room like we did last year,” Mitchell said. “I hated the feeling after what happened in Round 4. If we want to improve on last year’s result, we need to take everything seriously, whether it be in practice or the classroom. There’s some unfinished business here, so it’s going to be about going hard every rep, and doing what we need to do.”
Given the unquestionable talent returning for coach Taneisha Rogers in 2024 – particularly Mitchell and South Carolina-commit Ayla McDowell – it’s likely that the vision they’ve set for themselves might very well come to fruition.
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VYPE PSA: Houston Hoopers, Stay Home
There is nothing like being in an over-crowded hot basketball gym in January when the weather is crisp outside. It’s like a muggy summer afternoon after a rain shower in the inner city.
Fans feel like they are an arms- length away from the action, as coaches struggle to shout instructions over the cheerleaders and bustling student sections.
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Ooos and ahhhs fill the air with every ankle-breaking move, dunk and three-pointer. Whether it’s the Campbell Center in Aldine ISD, College Park in north Houston or Seven Lakes in Katy ISD, Houston boys and girls basketball is a vibe. It’s gritty and tough. On a Friday night, it’s friends and family hanging on every dribble. It’s playing for Houston... it’s playing for the community.
So, here’s a valid question. Why in the heck are some of Houston’s top talent LEAVING for prep schools, in Houston or out-of-state?
Recent names like John Clark of Klein Cain, Nasir Price of Seven Lakes, Chris Johnson of Elkins, Byrce Griggs of Hightower, Tyler Smith of Bush, Zion Pipkin of Westfield, Montana Wheeler of Houston Christian, Logan Alexander of CE King, Luke Cochran, Tompkins, Ashtyn Smith of Nimitz, Bryson Wheatfall of Summer Creek and Tyrus Rathan-Mayes of Langham Creek have left for so-called greener pastures.
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Should I keep going?
You wouldn’t want to leave a legacy or be the ultimate Big Man on Campus at your respective school... or play in front of no one with zero pomp and circumstance?
Look at Zion Williamson’s mix tape. Did that look like any fun?
As the girls’ game continues to grow in popularity at a historic rate, it won’t be long until H-Town’s finest start looking around at a landing spot that promises recruiting relationships with college coaches.
You are recruited at the AAU level. The high school game is for making life-long memories and relationships.
Take my advice, stay home.