During a challenging season, Cypress Coach Derek Mitchell earns 150th career win

Cypress coach Derek Mitchell coaches in a game last season. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

For a while, Cypress High boys basketball coach Derek Mitchell wasn’t even sure if there would be season. While there have been challenges, Mitchell was able to celebrate a personal milestone when he achieved victory number 150 in the Centurions 48-29 win over Pacifica.

With restrictions brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic, the season, which normally starts in November, was up in the air.

But the Centurions and other CIF teams finally got the OK to begin and Cypress has been able to compete in the Empire League, posting a 5-1 record. The Centurions are in second place in the league behind league-leading Crean Lutheran. The Saints won the first round match-up 75-56 at Cypress on Friday, April 30, ending the 33-game Empire League winning streak by Cypress. The two teams play again on Monday, May 17 at Crean Lutheran.

Friday night, Mitchell earned congratulations from current and former players. Cypress has won three consecutive Empire League titles under Mitchell.

“This isn’t something that I thought about when I took over, but I know after doing this for 7 1/2 years, it doesn’t happen without a great staff and great kids who buy into the team concept,” Mitchell said. “I’m very lucky to be able to coach at my alma mater and have this kind of success. I’m so appreciative of all the players who have worn the Cypress uniform and helped grow our program to what it is today.

“I can’t believe we only have four games left this year. It has been such a whirlwind. From going to conditioning only, to being sent back home, to conditioning again with doubts of a season. Then to get the green light and realize we are so close to the end. Our boys have been great, getting tested twice a week in order to play. They have been committed to finishing the season and to know it’s almost here is quite an accomplishment.”

––Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com