Mitchell signs with Cleveland State
Josh Mitchell signs as his parents Lashaunda and Marvin Mitchell watch.
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- Josh Mitchell wasn’t sure what to expect a year ago when he made one of the most important decisions of his life. He decided to transfer back to Bob Jones from James Clemens for his senior season of basketball and play for Graham Aderholt who had coached him as freshman and on the junior varsity.
As it turns out the move was beneficial to both Mitchell, who played point guard, and Bob Jones, who needed a point guard.
Wednesday morning was the culmination of that journey for Mitchell as be became the final Bob Jones basketball player to sign before school ends for seniors on May 19. He signed with Cleveland State (Tenn.) Community College.
“It was a tough decision coming back to Bob Jones because I didn’t really know what to expect,” Mitchell said. “They really have took me in and made me a part of the team. I respect Coach Aderholt so much for what he has done for me helping me get to the next level and my teammates. They are all like brothers to me.”
Mitchell was at his best in big games. He scored 23 points including the two clinching free throws at James Clemens in a sub-regional elimination playoff game. The next week Mitchell pumped in 25 at Wallace State for a Bob Jones win over Minor to reach the elite eight. The Patriots improbable playoff run ended two days later against Bessemer City but Mitchell had impressed college coaches in the process.
Bob Jones basketball coach Graham Aderholt said that Josh earned Honorable Mention All-State basketball team this year.
“That’s a huge honor to be named to the All-State team,” Aderholt said. “We’re very proud and thankful for Josh being with us at Bob Jones this year. At Cleveland State he has a chance to make a huge impact. Cleveland State has built a program that has a reputation of place players at the next level. Not only is Josh a good basketball player, he is a great kid with high character and makes good grades,” Aderholt said.
Mitchell was Bob Jones leading scorer on a team that averaged 55 points per game. He played in all but one of the team’s 31 games and averaged 18 points per game. He shot 51% from three-point and 63% field goal overall. He also hit 73% from the free throw line.
But numbers didn’t define what Mitchell meant to the team.
“The thing that really stood out about Josh was his work ethic,” Aderholt said. “It showed how bad he wanted to be successful and how much he wanted this team to be successful.”
“I knew coming into this year the team had a chance to be something special,” Mitchell said. “I knew we could compete with any team out there and our legacy is we left it all on the line.”
The deep playoff run was important for Mitchell who did not get a lot of attention from college recruiters.
“Playing at Wallace State was one of my favorite parts of the season. I got a chance to show what I could do in front of the scouts. The coach I signed for said he likes my ability to score and run the team and that I can play defense. I try to do it all not one-dimensional,” said Mitchell who added he works on his game every day in the gym.
Mitchell, who is 5-foot-11, said he will major in Business Administration. He plans to play two years at Cleveland State then transfer to a 4-year university and continue his basketball career.
