2020 Stock riser profile: Kristyn Mitchell
Photo Courtesy of Paz Images, Alex Paz Kristyn Mitchell is a 6ft 4/5 from Collinsville. She played her AAU ball with the Blue Star Renken 17u team. Kristyn averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game her junior year for…
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Continue ReadingPhoto Courtesy of Paz Images, Alex Paz
Kristyn Mitchell is a 6ft 4/5 from Collinsville. She played her AAU ball with the Blue Star Renken 17u team. Kristyn averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game her junior year for Collinsville and is a very likely candidate for a breakout season. She is capable of playing with her back to the basket and finishes well in the post. Her strength is taking bigger girls away from the basket and making them guard her in space. Kristyn can hit the 3 and is much improved off the dribble.
During the spring the Blue Star Renken team played mostly around St. Louis. The team did well including winning one tournament. The huge value to Kristyn was playing on a team with an abundance of size which allowed her to play the 4 and even the 3 at times. This seemed to really help her improve her game off the bounce.She was able to really show that in June with her school team. The team played in the SWIC league, Pana and Civic Memorial shootouts and the Murray St team camp. Kristyn felt the team really started to mesh well together and had a successful summer.
Collinsville plays in the SWC which has been dominated by Edwardsville for many years. The Kahoks were the last team to beat Edwardsville in a conference game and I am sure this years team would love to replicate that feat. Kristyn believes the team can have a shot at 20 wins and a good showing in the conference. Every team starts the year looking to win a Regional title and Collinsville is no different. While the teams in the area are tough the goal is be their best and play as hard as they can. If Kristyn and her teammates do that they results will be there.
During the summer Kristyn really tried to focus on a different approach to the game. Kristyn has allowed herself to be stuck in certain role. As she approaches her senior year she knows she needs to do anything that is needed to lead the team. It may be something she is not experienced at but it does not matter. If that is what the team needs then that is what she has to do. Kristyn has always been able to shoot the 3 and finish strong in the post. In the off season Kristyn has put in the additional work on her dribble drive and it adds another dimension to her offensive game. I have seen her put this to use and it is working. Kristyn will take the ball to the rim with either hand when facing up or turning off either shoulder in the high post.
Kristyn is focused on improving her free throw shooting before the season starts. She knows she will get to the line frequently so this is important. She is also focused on having more of a scorers mentality going into the season. Collinsville will need her to score and Kristyn is ready for that challenge. Her quickness, footwork and mid range jump shot are three areas she is focused on to help her score more.
Krisyn carries the #2 ranking in her class and has a 26 on the ACT. She is planning to take it again as she believes she has a better score than that in her. She has already been hearing from D3, JUCO and NAIA level schools. As they see her improved game this season I think this race could heat up. Kristyn is a dream for many smaller schools, a quality kid with great academics. If you throw in her size and ability to play that dual 4/5 role at that level she is deserving of all the attention she gets.