SALEM, ORE. -- Former Willamette University men's basketball player Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands) has been named National Athletic Basketball League (NABL) Co-Player of the Month for April. Mitchell, who is playing with the Salem Stampede while completing his Willamette degree, was chosen for the award, along with Mac Hopson of the Portland Showtime.
Mitchell is averaging 19.2 points per game and leads the NABL with 12.1 rebounds per contest. He has helped Salem achieve a league-leading 5-1 record. Mitchell is shooting 65% from the floor and has made major contributions to the Stampede despite coming off the bench during most games.
"I think we have a league full of great young players along with a super veteran group of guys mixed in on the team. I would not trade Cameron for any player in the league. He is a great basketball player and, even more important, a great person. He is a leader and a winner," said Joe Becerra, president and general manager of the Stampede.
During his three years with the Bearcats, Mitchell scored 1,200 points and grabbed 791 rebounds. Including his freshman season at the University of Redlands (Calif.), he achieved 1,342 points and 959 rebounds.
In 2009-10, Mitchell led the Northwest Conference in scoring with 21.1 points per game and in rebounding with 12.5 boards per game. He was selected First Team All-NWC for the second consecutive season.
Mitchell also was named First Team All-West Region by D3Hoops.com in 2009-10. He was named Second Team All-West Region by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
He was one of 10 finalists for the Jostens Trophy, which is awarded each year to the top NCAA Division III player according to athletic accomplishments, community service and academic success.
Willamette recently presented Mitchell with the 2009-10 J.H. Booth Award. The Booth Award is presented annually to a graduating senior male student-athlete who, during his college career, developed and demonstrated strong leadership skills and outstanding athleticism while maintaining a high rank of scholarship.
Hopson is averaging 27.3 points per game, along with 9.1 assists and 7.3 rebounds per contest, for Portland in the NABL this year. He is the Showtime's top player.
Mitchell and Hopson will be in the action during the NABL All-Star Showcase, hosted by the Stampede on May 14-16. The event will be at The Hoop in Salem, Ore.
Admission to regular season Stampede games is $10. Willamette students and staff may purchase tickets for $5 each with current WU identification.
Salem Stampede
Remaining Home Schedule
(At The Hoop, 3575 Fairview Industrial Drive)
Friday, May 14 - Stampede vs. Seattle, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 15 - All-Star Game, 6 p.m.*
Sunday, May 16 - Snohomish, 7:30 p.m.
Saturdya, May 29 - Portland, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 - Tualatin, 7:30 p.m.
* All-Star events also include a 3-point shootout at 4 p.m.
and a dunk contest at 5 p.m.
Cameron Mitchell was named First Team All-Northwest Conference in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
