AKRON -- Dominique Mitchell saved his best for the St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball team's postseason run.  
 

“I love to give my team and teammates energy,” said this week’s SportsInk.com Athlete of the Week, Dominique Mitchell. Mitchell was outstanding in the Irish’s recent performance at the Canton Division II Regional. Against Poland, in a dramatic Irish win (74-60), Mitchell sparked a second-half comeback with 13 points. In the team’s loss to Cleveland Benedictine in the finals Mitchell again contributed big with 16 points.

 

“That loss really hurt; I did not want this season to end,” Mitchell said. “I felt good in those two games.”  It was not always clear sailing for Mitchell with Coach Dru Joyce or at St. Vincent-St. Mary. “We had a little rocky time last year but after the North Canton game he gave me confidence and he is good by me,” Mitchell said. “It was tough coming here to school trying to fit in but it eventually worked out well.”

Mitchell came to the Akron area prior to ninth grade from Florida and went straight to St. Vincent-St. Mary.
 
“I heard of this school in Florida and wanted to be part of their tradition," Mitchell said. “It was tough at first to make friends but it all came together this year.” Mitchell plans on going to college to pursue football and basketball. He ended up in Akron because of family and he also has family alumni who went to St. Vincent-St. Mary.

 

For the season Mitchell averaged 7.5 points per game and just shy of two rebounds per game. But in the playoffs, when Joyce turned to his senior, Mitchell averaged more than 13 points per game. Against Poland, Mitchell scored 13 points, had three rebounds and dished out three assists.

 

Mitchell was tremendous during the football season as well, as he was named second team All-District defensive back. He recorded two interceptions during the season and on offense he scored seven touchdowns with 40 catches for 652 yards receiving at wide receiver.

 

Mitchell has made the merit four straight times, which certainly makes his parents Derrick, Paula and Gloria very proud.

 

“I love being a leader,” Mitchell said. He has led by example during his senior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

 

Hobbies: Video games  (NBA live)

TV:  SpongeBob Square Pants

Movie:  Little Rascals

IPod:  J. Cole  “Can I Live”

Pizza:  Extra cheese

Bucket List:  Make family proud