Prospect Watch: Mitch Fairless (2018)
Class of 2018 standout Mitch Fairless of Duchesne is one of the most explosive wing players in the St. Louis area.
The 6’4″ Fairless has made it habit of getting out on the break and dunking on opposing players, much to the delight of the spectators. During a game at the recent St. Louis Spring Showcase, Fairless delivered a pair of impressive posterizing dunks over defenders that woke up the crowd from its Sunday morning slumber. When asked about his athleticism, he just shrugs it off and credits his teammates.
“I really work to get out in transition and run hard,” he said. “My teammates really do a good job of finding me on the break and it helps a little to be a good athlete.”
Fairless has been able to display his athleticism in two sports during the spring. He plays basketball with T.E.M. Select 17U during the grassroots season while competing in the high jump for Duchesne’s track and field team. He recently cleared 6 feet 6 inches to win a district title last weekend. His personal best in the event is 6-7. His prowess and potential in the high jump has earned him looks from colleges such as Wichita State, Indiana State, Yale, Penn and many others.
Despite his attention from schools regarding track and field, Fairless would like to play college basketball. He hasn’t received as much attention from colleges in basketball as of yet, but that should change if he continues to play at the level that he has shown during the early spring season. He was the MVP of the Spring Showcase after averaging 20 points a game and leading T.E.M. Select to the 17U championship. He did an excellent job of attacking the basket on the break and knocking down open perimeter shots. Continued improvement of his ball handling and middle game would also enhance his recruiting stock.
As a junior at Duchesne, Fairless averaged 14.4 points. 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in leading the Pioneers to an 18-9 record. Duchesne’s season ended prematurely with an upset loss to Lutheran North in the Class 3 district playoffs. Fairless is using that loss as motivation for the following season.
“It’s just going to get all our guys in the gym and working harder,” Fairless said. “We’ve got everybody coming back, so our goal is to win a state championship. That’s what we want to do.”