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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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RECRUIT SCOOP: Cy Springs' athlete is heating up after Michigan offer
Class of 2026 Cypress Springs athlete Paris Melvin Jr., had an impressive sophomore year helping the Panthers to a 8-3 season ...one of the best seasons in recent years.
Melvin finished the season with 500 total yards of offense and five scores, having 178 rushing yards in their first-round playoff game. On defense, he had 60 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and four punt-return touchdowns.
His play on the field has translated into offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Cal, Houston, SMU, UTSA and most recently Michigan... the National Champions.
His recruitment is just starting, but Melvin is enjoying the process.
“It’s been amazing so far,” Melvin said. “All I can say is that I’m thankful for the coaches and what they have done for me to help my recruitment. It was a big year for me this year and I’m ready for more.”
Melvin said he has been in contact with all the schools who have offered and mentioned he has also heard from Texas, LSU and others.
That National Champs offered today.
“It was amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t even believe it at first. It was definitely something to remember just sitting there shaking the coaches hand and hearing I got an offer. That was one of the best feelings.”
So, what will he work on now?
“Getting stronger and getting faster,” Melvin said. “I’ve already been working on both and have seen improvements already. This is a going to be a big Spring for me and I’m excited to go to work.”