June 4, 2008
San Antonio – St. Mary’s University men’s basketball coach Jim Zeleznak announced on Wednesday the signing of Milwaukee, Wis., native Curtis Mitchell to a national letter of intent to join the Rattlers, starting with the 2008-09 academic year. Mitchell is the fifth signee for the Rattlers this offseason.
Mitchell (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis.) is a 5’8″, guard, who played the last two years at Williston State College in Williston, N.D. for coach Terry Olson. As a sophomore he was named All-Mon Dak Conference, All-Region XIII and honorable mention All-American. He averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season. He helped the school to a Region XIII runner-up finish and 22-10 record this past season. As a freshman in 2006-07 he earned All-Mon Dak Conference honors and All-Region XIII recognition after averaging 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He started and played in all 32 games and shot 48 percent from the field, including 41 percent from three-point range. He scored a season-high 29 points against Lake Region State College, including eight three-pointers. He was also a member of the WSC baseball team, earning one letter.
Prior to his time at Williston State he was a three-sport athlete at Juneau High School in Milwaukee, lettering in basketball, baseball and football for coaches Aaron Womack and Jamie Koepp. On the basketball court he was an All-Milwaukee City Conference selection. He averaged 15 points and five assists per game as a senior. On the baseball diamond he was a two-time All-Milwaukee City Conference pick, was named conference player of the year and was picked to play in the WBCA All-Star Classic.
“Curtis sees the floor extremely well and is an explosive scorer,” Zeleznak said. “He provides experience and leadership at the point guard position, which is critical for next year’s team. With his scoring ability, he is very capable of playing both the point guard and wing position. Curtis will make an immediate impact on next year’s squad.”
St. Mary’s finished the 2007-08 season with a 17-13 record and won the Heartland Conference Tournament title. They fell to Tarleton State University in the first round of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament.