Coupeville Sports

   Former Wolf hoops player Dante Mitchell has been hired to coach basketball at Coupeville Middle School. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Like mother, like son.

Former Coupeville High School basketball star Dante Mitchell is following in the coaching footsteps of mom Avis, and his first job as a head coach will come at his former stomping grounds.

Mitchell, who graduated alongside twin brother DeAndre in 2016, has been tabbed as the new 8th grade boys basketball coach for Coupeville Middle School.

He joins veteran whistle-blower Bob Martin, who will run the 7th grade program this fall.

The job opening came because longtime round-ball sage Randy King is taking a break from the bench while preparing for hip surgery.

Mitchell’s hiring, announced by CHS/CMS Athletic Director Willie Smith, needs final, official approval from the school board.

That would come at their next meeting Nov. 27.

CMS boys hoops kicks off a new season with the first day of practice Monday, Nov. 6.

The Wolves play a 10-game season, with their first battle a road game at Sequim Nov. 30. Mitchell’s home debut as a head coach is Dec. 4.

After wrapping his high school basketball playing career with the 2015-2016 season, Mitchell was an assistant coach on Anthony Smith’s staff during the 2016-2017 campaign.

Former Coupeville boys JV hoops coach Dustin Van Velkinburgh worked with Mitchell for several seasons.

“Dante will bring some young energy, that will hold his kids accountable,” Van Velkinburgh said. “During his time as a player, I appreciated how hard he worked and his willingness to do the little things to help his team win.

“And he’s never been one to shy away from hard work.”