FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Holden, Sports Info. Director
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January 2, 2008


Ferrum's Mitchell Nabs Second Rookie of the Week Honor

FERRUM, Va. -- For the second time this season, Ferrum College freshman Derek Mitchell (Newport News, Va./Heritage) has been named Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week by the USA South Athletic Conference. 

Mitchell averaged 11.3 points and 10.7 rebounds over three games.  In a 61-55 loss at NCAA Division I opponent Winston-Salem State University Dec. 19, Mitchell had 13 points, 12 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

The freshman forward had 11 points and 14 rebounds as Ferrum defeated Rhodes College in the Washington and Lee University Invitational Dec. 30.  He closed out the tournament with 10 points and six rebounds in the title game of that tournament, where Ferrum fell 71-67 to host Washington and Lee Dec. 31.

Mitchell previously earned Rookie of the Week honors on December 11.  Also nominated for the award this week was Averett University's Rob Wyley.  Ferrum (5-6) returns to action Jan. 4 against Swarthmore College in the Domino's New Year's Classic, hosted by Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

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