Friday Feature - Lexi Mitchell (Women's Basketball)

CALDWELL, Idaho - Inside the Grant Center is a red wave of fans cheering on the Simpson University women's basketball team as they take on the College of Idaho. Playing on the Redhawk's floor in Redding, Calif., Lexi Mitchell and the Yotes had to stay mentally tough against a fierce NAIA opponent.
 
"You never truly realize how big of an impact fans can have on a game until you have to learn to play without them," Mitchell said. "All of us have a whole new appreciation for the energy fans bring to games and we are so thankful to have them back."
 
Eight months before the 2021-2022 season tipped off, the Yotes played their previous season with limited or no fans in attendance because of COVID-19 regulations. But regardless of fans returning this season, Mitchell continues to keep her mindset on excelling on the court.
 
A Middleton, Idaho native, the junior guard played for the Middleton High varsity girls basketball team under 6-time state champion head coach Andy Jones. Here, Mitchell earned All-Conference honors and was a key piece in the Viking's 4A state championship run in 2017.
 
Following graduation in 2019, Mitchell drove down the road to Caldwell to join head coach Janis Beal's Yotes basketball team that came off a Cascade Conference Championships semifinal appearance just a few months prior.
 
"I chose to come to C of I because of the family feel it has," Mitchell said. "Everyone at C of I is so kind and wants the best for everyone. From professors, to the coaches, to the students, there truly couldn't be a better fit for me."
 
In her freshman season, Mitchell started 20 games and averaged 6.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 steals a game. In her sophomore season, she was one of two players to play all 18 games and led the team in total rebounds (110) and free throws made (27). Scoring double-digits in five games, Mitchell improved in nearly every statistical category - most notably points (6.6), assists (1.3) and steals (1.2).
 
"Lexi plays hard," Beal said. "To see her progress and see her improve has definitely been attributed to her hard work and getting after it."
 
Now in her third season, Mitchell looked to build upon her previous collegiate seasons and make an impact in her junior year right away. Squaring off against Pacific Union College in Redding last Friday, Mitchell wasn't going to be denied.
 
In dominating fashion, Mitchell provided 17 points en route to a one-sided 91-49 victory over the Pioneers. With four double-digit scorers and shooting 40-for-71 from the field, the 56% shooting percentage was the highest for the program in a game since 2010.
 
"It comes down to our team being unselfish," Beal said. "I thought they did a really good job of playing team ball and trying to get that extra pass."
 
24 hours later, the Yotes would be back on the same hardwood for a matchup with Simpson. Even with Redhawk fans bringing the energy and trying to get in the opponent's heads, Mitchell had the confidence in herself and her teammates to compete at the highest level.
 
"Our team chemistry this year is amazing both on and off the court," Mitchell said. "We're all such good friends and I think our positivity and willingness to learn and grow together are some of our greatest strengths."
 
With the score tied at 56 late in the fourth quarter, the Yotes rallied off a 10-0 run in the final three minutes to secure the 66-56 victory. Mitchell's 11 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals helped the Yotes get to a 2-0 start on the season for the first time since 2012-2013.
 
"I was proud of their effort," Beal said. "When [Simpson] took the lead, that really shows what kind of toughness you have. They didn't look nervous or scared. It's good to see that we could compete and have that mental toughness to push through in a tough environment."
 
A multitude of Yotes shined bright in the first weekend, but Mitchell got the nod for Cascade Conference Player of the Week on Nov. 1. Shooting an average of 60% from the floor, Mitchell earned the recognition for the second time in her career - with her first being in the opening week last season against Boise State and Montana Western.
 
"I was very honored to receive player of the week," Mitchell said. "However, I was more proud of my team and how we played over the weekend. I definitely wouldn't have been given the honor without them and my amazing coaches."
 
Staying mentally tough is an important trait for Lexi Mitchell and the Yotes as they continue their strong start to the season. Even with talented opponents ahead, Mitchell isn't worried about who's in front of her. She's more concerned about excelling on the court.
 
"I think we made a big statement and set the tone for the season by winning the first two games," Mitchell said. "Our team has a lot of energy moving forward and we're super excited for the rest of the year."
 
The Yotes travel to Pocatello, Idaho for an exhibition match today against Idaho State. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.