Maryland commit Makhi Mitchell named UAA Defensive Player of the Year

Makhi Mitchell, a four-star Maryland center commit for the Class of 2019, was named the Under Armour Association’s Defensive Player of the Year earlier this week.

It’s another highlight in a productive stretch for Mitchell, who’s won both AAU and high school championships this year. He and twin brother Makhel—the other member of Maryland’s 2019 class—helped lead DC Premier to the title at the Under Armour Finals in Las Vegas in late July. They were also part of a Montverde Academy (Fla.) squad that went 36-0 in 2017-18 and won the GEICO High School National Championship. Earlier this summer, they led DC Evolution to a 14-0 record in the Capitol Hoops Summer League, which is filled with top DMV talent.

Makhi Mitchell, the No. 61 player and No. 14 center in his class, has an offensive game that should also translate to the next level. He can score and facilitate down low, with the occasional jumper mixed in. But he shined on defense all summer, leading the UAA in blocks and anchoring the top defense in the league.

After one year at Montverde, the twins will play their senior season at Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. this winter.

In other news

Linebacker Brett Shepherd has left Maryland football. It’s presumably a transfer, but we haven’t been able to confirm that.

I wrote about 30-year-old Australian lefty punter Wade Lees. He’s fun to write about.

InsideMdSports has a list of freshmen who could play for Maryland football right away.

A couple Maryland teams have new Under Armour gear to show off.