By ROBIN FAMBROUGH

Written for the LSWA

Like most standout high school basketball players, Tasmin Mitchell put up impressive statistics.

The key to learning about the 6-foot-7 Denham Springs High senior isn't the 26.9 points per game he averaged this season.

"As far as I'm concerned, Tasmin is the ultimate basketball player," St. Amant High coach Gary Duhe said. "He may not score the most points and he might not win a dunk contest. Tasmin understands the game and he makes other people better. That's what he does best."

Such attributes helped Mitchell, an LSU signee, win the Farm Bureau/Mr. Basketball award as Louisiana's top player from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Terry Martin Jr. of Richwood-Monroe also was nominated for the award.

"I appreciate all the honors I've gotten," Mitchell said. "This one (Mr.Basketball) is special. You never plan on something like this. There are other great players out there. To me, this means that all the work I did through the years really paid off."

Mitchell joins the list of LSWA Mr. Basketball winners that dates back to 1996. He is the second straight player from the Baton Rouge area to win the award. The 2004 Mr. Basketball winner, Glen Davis of University High, already is on the LSU squad.

As a senior, Mitchell did average 26.9 points per game. He also averaged 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 3.5 blocked shots, leading the Yellow Jackets to a District 4-5A title and a berth in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Mitchell also is a rare four-time all-state player. He led Denham Springs to two semifinal appearances, was the Class 5A Outstanding Player and recently was voted Gatorade Circle of Champions Louisiana Player of the Year. He was the PelicanPreps.com Player of the Year, was recently honored as a Parade All-American in addition to playing in the Roundball Classic and McDonald's all-star games.

Duhe, who coached against Mitchell for District 4-5A rival St. Amant, says he knew Mitchell was destined for greatness the first time he saw him as a 12-year-old at an LSU camp.

"I direct the high-school part of the LSU camp every year," Duhe said. "I couldn't believe it when they told me they were going to put a 12-year-old in the high school group.

"Tasmin came in and did just fine. He was mature physically and as a player even then. I used to say (former Redemptorist star) Howard Carter and (former Newman star) Randy Livingston were the best two players ever in Louisiana. Now I think it's Tasmin."

Denham Springs coach Paul Smith agrees, noting some of Mitchell's off-the-court skills.

"Tasmin is a great basketball player," Smith said. "But he's also a great kid and a solid student. He's on the honor roll and he's a good teammate.

"He came to us as an unselfish player and that has never changed. I think he really became an even better team player."

When asked about his personal influences, Mitchell cites his mother and grandmother.

"They don't worry about me becoming a better basketball player," Mitchell said. "My mom and grandmother have always stressed that I need to become the best man I can be.

"That means being a good student, being respectful of others and working hard. They also make sure that I remain humble. I've known other guys who have gotten into trouble and I can see how that happens. That wasn't for me."

Although he hasn't yet decided on a college major, Mitchell says he is contemplating becoming a coach someday.

Others, such as Duhe and Smith, say they look forward to watching Mitchell on the floor in years to come.

"Tasmin is going to find a way to make LSU or anybody else he plays for better," Smith said. "That's what he does."