T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY HARRISON CENTRAL senior Kobe Mitchell was named Division III state player of the year Monday morning after averaging 30.1 points a game this past season.

CADIZ — Kobe Mitchell didn’t even hesitate.

When thinking back to the pick-up games — in all sports — against his older brothers Rashaen, Kalub and Brandon, Kobe believes those competitions put him on the course for athletic success.

“Those guys are the biggest reason where I am today,” Mitchell said. “Playing against those guys there was no complaining allowed and I had to learn how to play with toughness because I was the youngest one.”

While it might be debated by his brothers, Mitchell is probably the most talented, too.

His success, which includes a lengthy list of achievements from his prep career, added maybe its most impressive chapter yet Monday morning when Mitchell was named the Division III Ohio Player of the Year by the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association.

“It was definitely cool to win that award,” Mitchell said. “I thought I might have a chance at it after I won the Ohio Basketball Coaches Association Award, but I didn’t know for sure. It was definitely a cool moment when it was announced.”

Mitchell put forth a season to remember for the Huskies, averaging almost 31 points a game. He didn’t just impact the game with his scoring. He also yanked down eight rebounds and handed out six assists a game for Coach Justin Clifford’s team.

“I was just fortunate enough to be along for the ride,” Clifford said of coaching Mitchell. “He deserves every honor he has received for as good as he is on the court, he’s just as good off it. I can’t wait to watch him play at the next level.”

Mitchell’s always had the ability to score the ball. He actually finished his career with 2,421 points, which ranks 15th all time in Ohio history and fourth all-time in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.

In terms of the biggest growth in his game, Mitchell didn’t point to any one area on the floor. It was his leadership skills and ability to be “more vocal with his teammates.”

“I was able to get to the rim better and score around the rim better than I had before, but my vocal leadership really improved and it needs to continue to improve,” Mitchell admitted. “To play guard at the college level, you have to be more vocal with guys.”

Though he’s currently a member of the Huskies’ baseball team, Mitchell is already preparing for what lies ahead. In November, Mitchell formally signed his National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at the University of Akron.

In less than two months, Mitchell begins classes and workouts with the Zips. He moves to Summitt County on June 5.

“I am excited to continue to get better and get ready for the upcoming summer workouts,” Mitchell said.

Though he’s preparing to move on to a higher level of play in the Mid-American Conference, Mitchell admits that it’s a bittersweet ordeal.

“Playing with my friends and for Harrison Central was a great four years,” Mitchell said. “It’s something that I’ll never forget. I can’t thank everyone at Harrison Central, especially my coaches and teachers for providing me the opportunities that they did. It’s just been a blessing.”

Mitchell also thanks his parents — Wayne and Tonya — for everything they’ve done to support him throughout his career.

“My mom has played the biggest role,” Mitchell said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her. From taking me all over the place for AAU tournaments and practices, it’s paid off. I am grateful for everything my parents have done for me since I was young.”

On top of his basketball exploits, Mitchell was a First-Team All-Ohio quarterback in 2020 and is an every day player for the Harrison baseball team.