GAMES
RANKINGS
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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THE RANKINGS: Willis, Barbers Hill, Second Baptist biggest movers in VYPE Rankings
With several districts on a bye week, the VYPE Class 6A Top 25 had minimal movement.
The biggest impact games included Willis’ win over The Woodlands on a last-second field goal and Cypress Springs knocking off district bully Cypress Ranch, 31-16.
Same goes for Class 5A. The top three teams dominated as Randle, Iowa Colony and Galveston Ball are the class of Class 5A. Randle crushed FB Marshall, while Iowa Colony blew out then-ranked Baytown Lee. Randle and Iowa Colony face each other on the VYPE Thursday Night Showdown this week on Space City Home Network.
The private school ranks also have a new No. 1. The Second Baptist School Eagles are undefeated and knocked off St. John’s School in a war last week. QB Canon Toon has done it with his feet and arm, and the defense has been stingy.
The wait is over… it’s a full district slate this week as district titles start coming into focus.
Stay tuned.
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VYPE’s Class 6A Top 25
No. 1 North Shore Mustangs
No. 2 Summer Creek Bulldogs
No. 3 Atascocita Eagles
No. 4 Fulshear Chargers
No. 5 Willis Wildkats
No. 6 Hightower Hurricanes
No. 7 Ridge Point Panthers
No. 8 Bridgeland Bears
No. 9 Shadow Creek Sharks
No. 10 Katy Jordan Warriors
No. 11 Cy Springs Panthers
No. 12 The Woodlands Highlanders
No. 13 Katy Tigers
No. 14 Nimitz Cougars
No. 15 Klein Cain Hurricanes
No. 16 Tomball Cougars
No. 17 Conroe Tigers
No. 18 Stratford Spartans
No. 19 Cypress Ranch Mustangs
No. 20 Deer Park Deer
No. 21 Pearland Oilers
No. 22 Langham Creek Lobos
No. 23 Magnolia Bulldogs
No. 24 CE King Panthers
No. 25 Dawson Eagles
…
VYPE’s Class 5A Rankings
No. 1 Randle Lions
No. 2 Iowa Colony Pioneers
No. 3 Galveston Ball Tors
No. 4 Lake Creek Lions
No. 5 Angleton Wildcats
No. 6 Huntsville Hornets
No. 7 Montgomery Bears
No. 8 Barbers Hill Eagles
No. 9 Dayton Broncos
No. 10 FB Marshall Buffs
…
VYPE’s Top 5 Private Schools
No. 1 Second Baptist School Eagles
No. 2 Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
No. 3 Lutheran South Pioneers
No. 4 Kinkaid Falcons
No. 5 St. John’s School Mavs