South Side is Back! The Big Interview: Chris Mitchell

PICTURED: Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN
Twitter: (@15ChrisMitchell)

Head Coach Damonn Fuller is a steady, powerful fixture for Jackson South Side. Most recently Coach Fuller won District 14AA Coach of the Year in 2021 and took the team to the State Championship in 2021-2022 though they eventually lost to Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Greeneville High. South Side advanced to the State Tournament in 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Then it dipped.

In 2022-2023, South Side finished with just 5 wins and lost two of three to their rivals, North Side.

"[It was] kids trying to figure it out," said Coach Damonn Fuller when reached by phone Monday evening. "When you have such high expectations as we do at South Side...sometimes it can be overwhelming. They figured it out and now we are doing great."

Star senior Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN was a part of the success, then that struggle, and then the rebirth. We talked about South Side's recent basketball history and his basketball future Monday evening.

PrepHoopsTN: I only began covering basketball in Tennessee in 2017, but for me South Side was a team that was great every year. Then it took a strange drop about two years ago. Were you on that team and could you help me understand what happened?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : I was on the team. My freshman year (2021-2022) we went to state, and I was starting as a freshman. We had a bunch of seniors and freshmen. The next year was our rebuild year. A lot of the freshmen that didn't get to play the year before got to play and learn.

Then our junior year came, and we got a little better. Our record was like 15-11. Around there. We were a little worse sophomore year.

Now we are back and ready to go back to State.

PrepHoopsTN: How was the last [Jackson] North Side game?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : It was a dogfight. They came to South Side this time. They came ready to play. We came ready to play. They came out with the win.

PrepHoopsTN: Could you describe that rivalry to people who are not from Jackson?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : It has been a rivalry since South Side became a thing. We have older people, alumni that come to the game every year. It sells out every year. There will be people that come to the game every year. People will come and a lot of people can't get in because it sells out.

PrepHoopsTN: On recruiting, it sounds like things are picking up for you lately. What is new?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : I just picked up my 6th offer. From Lane [College] the other day. I have seven total now.

PrepHoopsTN: Who was the most recent?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : Columbia State Community College.

PrepHoopsTN: Do you have a timeline for your decision?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : I should be committing around March, probably after state.

PrepHoopsTN: What can South Side accomplish in the postseason this year?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : We are coming for that gold ball. Bringing it back to South Side like Jaylen Barford and Chris McNeal back in 2014.*

PrepHoopsTN: What are you looking for in a college?
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : To use college as a stepping stone to get to the next level and improve my game.

PrepHoopsTN: Thank you and good luck to you.
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell 6'7" | SG/PF South Side | 2025 State TN : Thank you.

* Jackson South Side defeated East Nashville 91-83 in the State Championship. Chris McNeal, Terrikous Smith, Jaylen Barford, and Malik Hicks starred for South Side. Malik Hicks won Tournament MVP.

South Side advanced to the State Championship Game five times since 2000, and won in 2014. Their record in the State Tournament is remarkable 11-6!