FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Holden, Sports Info. Director
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January 7, 2008


Mitchell Named USA South Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week

FERRUM, Va. -- 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 for his play in two games last week.

This is Mitchell's third Rookie of the Week honor this season.  He previously earned the award December 11 and January 2.

Mitchell averaged a double-double for the second consecutive week as the Panthers went 1-1 at the Domino's New Year's Classic held January 4-5 at Roanoke College.  In two games, Mitchell averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and 1.5 steals per contest.

In an 101-92 overtime win over Swarthmore College January 4, he had 14 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. He also added four steals, two assists and one block in the win.  In an 83-67 loss to Roanoke January 5 in the title game, Mitchell had another double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds.  For his efforts, Mitchell was named to the All-Tournament team.

Also nominated for Rookie of the Week honors this week were Rob Wyley of Averett University, Michael Green of Christopher Newport University, LeuMichael Smith of Methodist University, Kevin Kline or Shenandoah University.

Ferrum (6-7) returns to action Wednesday, January 16 when it opens USA South Athletic Conference play against defending league champion Averett University.  Part of a doubleheader, the men's game tips off at 7:30 p.m. following the women.

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