North Central head coach Doug Mitchell was kind enough to spend few minutes of his time talking with me last night, answering questions about this year's team, some of their goals, and a few of his top players. Mitchell is in the midst of his 16th year at the helm of the Panther program, compiling an outstanding record of 244-119 through last evening's game. He has coached such Indiana high school greats as Jason Gardner (Arizona), AJ Ratliff, and Eric Gordon (both attended IU). He currently has a stable full of excellent talent, so his aspirations for this team are obviously very high. Here is the transcript of the interview from after North Central's 90-70 win over Lafayette Jeff at Southport High School (left).
P-Hoops- Coach, thanks for taking the time to talk with me. Great game tonight, nice win. What was the key to your victory tonight?
Coach Doug Mitchell- Well, we wanted to limit Jesse Berry's touches, and I think we did a great job of that. He is a kid who can score, and he gets a lot of touches and a lot of shots. I think he had 27 in their last game. We wanted to take the ball out of his hands, and when he did get it, we wanted him to have to work so hard to get it, he would be tired when he did. Not just him, but number 24, too. Just wanted to limit their touches, take away driving lanes, and wear them out. I thought we did a great job on them.
PH - Your guys really attacked the rim, getting easy shots and good looks (33 of 49 inside the arc). Was that planned?
DM- Well, we'll always take what's given to us. We have a lot of kids who can attack. Not really a plan, just what was there.
PH- Obviously have a great team, undefeated, highly ranked in 4A. What are your expectations and goals for this team?
DM- We have the same goals every year: to compete for the state title. Same goal each and every year.
PH- Good goal! You clearly have a lot of great players who have the ability to play college ball. Care to comment on any? How about Damon Ellison?
DM- Damon is a great kid, great player. He was injured during the summer AAU season, so he didn't get seen much. If I were a college coach, I'd be taking a look at him. He has some offers from NAIA schools, some division one interest.
PH- A nice spring signee for somebody?
DM- Yeah.
PH- How about Terone Johnson? I know he's committed to Purdue, but can you give me your thoughts on him?
DM- Can't say enough about Terone. He's a tremendously efficient player. He's under the radar but he's a national level player going to a great, top ten school. And he's got a year, a year and a half more of high school basketball! He plays with great balance and strength. And he's a great leader for the young guys, too.
PH- Another great guard in freshman D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera. What are your thoughts on him as a player?
DM- Well, he's a freshman, so he still has a lot to learn. Obviously a great talent. And a great kid. All of them are great kids. D'Vauntes is a really great kid. He's played well, but like I said, still a lot to learn.
PH- Any thoughts on his recruitment?
DM- No, not really. He's just a freshman. Long way to go.
PH- Coach, thanks a lot for your time.
DM- No problem.
Check back later on for a one-on-one interview with Purdue-bound guard Terone Johnson, who has some interesting summer plans, and some comments on his teammate, Smith-Rivera, who went for 22 points, nine boards, four assists, and two steals last night. I'll also have a breakdown of the LN - Luers game, and an interview with LN head coach Jack Keefer.
P-Hoops- Coach, thanks for taking the time to talk with me. Great game tonight, nice win. What was the key to your victory tonight?
Coach Doug Mitchell- Well, we wanted to limit Jesse Berry's touches, and I think we did a great job of that. He is a kid who can score, and he gets a lot of touches and a lot of shots. I think he had 27 in their last game. We wanted to take the ball out of his hands, and when he did get it, we wanted him to have to work so hard to get it, he would be tired when he did. Not just him, but number 24, too. Just wanted to limit their touches, take away driving lanes, and wear them out. I thought we did a great job on them.
PH - Your guys really attacked the rim, getting easy shots and good looks (33 of 49 inside the arc). Was that planned?
DM- Well, we'll always take what's given to us. We have a lot of kids who can attack. Not really a plan, just what was there.
PH- Obviously have a great team, undefeated, highly ranked in 4A. What are your expectations and goals for this team?
DM- We have the same goals every year: to compete for the state title. Same goal each and every year.
PH- Good goal! You clearly have a lot of great players who have the ability to play college ball. Care to comment on any? How about Damon Ellison?
DM- Damon is a great kid, great player. He was injured during the summer AAU season, so he didn't get seen much. If I were a college coach, I'd be taking a look at him. He has some offers from NAIA schools, some division one interest.
PH- A nice spring signee for somebody?
DM- Yeah.
PH- How about Terone Johnson? I know he's committed to Purdue, but can you give me your thoughts on him?
DM- Can't say enough about Terone. He's a tremendously efficient player. He's under the radar but he's a national level player going to a great, top ten school. And he's got a year, a year and a half more of high school basketball! He plays with great balance and strength. And he's a great leader for the young guys, too.
PH- Another great guard in freshman D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera. What are your thoughts on him as a player?
DM- Well, he's a freshman, so he still has a lot to learn. Obviously a great talent. And a great kid. All of them are great kids. D'Vauntes is a really great kid. He's played well, but like I said, still a lot to learn.
PH- Any thoughts on his recruitment?
DM- No, not really. He's just a freshman. Long way to go.
PH- Coach, thanks a lot for your time.
DM- No problem.
Check back later on for a one-on-one interview with Purdue-bound guard Terone Johnson, who has some interesting summer plans, and some comments on his teammate, Smith-Rivera, who went for 22 points, nine boards, four assists, and two steals last night. I'll also have a breakdown of the LN - Luers game, and an interview with LN head coach Jack Keefer.
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