Sophomore brings experience and skill to young team

For boys growing up in Alaska, it was assumed that if you were into sports, your game would most likely be hockey.

But not for MHCC basketball player Colby Mitchell. He didn’t really have a choice, as he grew tall rather quickly.

“I’ve always been the tallest guy when I grew up, playing sports,” said Mitchell. “I use to play a lot of hockey back in Alaska when I was younger, but I always grew out of the equipment and it started being difficult to play.”

Given his height and his family’s background in basketball, it was an easy transition to hoops.

“My dad was into basketball a lot when I was younger, so it grew on to me and I started playing more and more,” said Mitchell.

Now the 6-foot 7-inch power forward embraces basketball, and stands out as the only sophomore on the MHCC men’s team. Teammates look to him for guidance and knowledge.

“I have Coach’s full support,” he said, referring to basketball coach Geoff Gibor. “I’ve been in the system the longest and know the plays so the other guys come to me if they need help.”

Mitchell has stayed consistent throughout the season, averaging close to 15 points and seven rebounds per game.

“Colby shows a toughness about him that a coach loves,” said Gibor.

As for his personality, Mitchell considers himself to be a bit of an extrovert and someone who loves a challenge.

“I would say I’m outgoing. It’s hard to make me feel uncomfortable; I’m pretty sure of myself. I won’t back down from anyone or a challenge,” he said.

Asked who he would compare himself to among professional players, Mitchell, an athletic big man with a good basketball I.Q., said he feels a connection with a New York Knicks star.

“I would compare my game to Amar’e Stoudemire. I like to finish strong at the basket,” said Mitchell.

Off the court, Mitchell said he enjoys some snow and time with his friends.

“I enjoy snowboarding, but I like hanging out with the boys. I haven’t been up to the mountain in awhile. I’ve been busy with basketball,” he said.

Saints freshmen teammates Mac Johnson and Brock Otis have a similar perspective on the team’s leader.

“Colby is a good person. He looks after people. In a way, he’s kind of like a father figure to all of us,” Johnson said.

Otis said, “He is a extremely nice person. He looks after the people he cares about. He’s respectful and always introduces himself when he first meets people.”

Mitchell landed in the Northwest because he thought Mt. Hood was a good college choice to help prepare for his future.

“MHCC was the cheapest opportunity for me. It was also the largest community college that I visited while I was down here,” said Mitchell.

He is majoring in business administration and eventually wants to acquire his master’s degree.

“I eventually want to be head of a business somewhere. I want to climb to the top of the chain,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell has high hopes for how the team will finish the season.

“Our goal this year is to finish top four in the Southern Region, but our biggest goal is to finish the season strong and be in the NWAACCs (playoffs). We just have to beat these upcoming teams,” he said.

“We just have to focus more and be on top of our A game. We’ve had minor setbacks this year with small things but we’ll be fine,” he said.

The team had no problems on Wednesday as Mt. Hood pounded Chemeketa 87-67 after the Storm entered the game undefeated in conference play.

Mitchell will lead the team into action Saturday against Linn-Benton, who is ranked last in the region with a 5-11 overall record.