ATHLETE OF THE WEEK : Butler Ends 50-Point Show With Memorable Jam Session

Sure, Oakwood’s Mitchell Butler scored 50 of his team’s 55 points to lead the Gorillas to a Southern Section Small Schools Division quarterfinal win over Ribet Christian last week, 55-47.

And, yes, he also found time for 17 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocked shots. That performance came on the heels of a 32-point showing in a second-round win over West Valley Christian in which he also had 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots.

Beyond all those statistics, though, lay something deeper and more memorable in Mitchell Butler’s the week: redemption--a little touch of justice that capped it all.

The story begins with 1:29 left in the West Valley Christian game and Oakwood leading, 59-34. After Butler alertly pounced on a loose ball and headed downcourt, the Oakwood fans rose to their feet in anticipation of a Butler jam.

Thud.

Butler rocked his dunk off the heel of the rim. And the fans were left with the thought that things don’t always go right--even when you’re Mitchell Butler.

That all changed Friday night.

With just 21 seconds to play against Ribet Christian and Butler having already astonished coaches, players, and fans with 48 points, Gorilla guard Eric Leddel lobbed a pass toward the basket.

Butler took the alley-oop and rammed home a slam dunk that provided an emphatic signature to his week.

Fifty points on the night. For the fans, it was proof positive that their hero could do it all.

And stay modest, too.

Asked about his 50-point performance, Butler said: “Our goal coming in was to get the ball inside and we did that, so we were successful.”

Such a comment is characteristic of Butler’s level-headed outlook.

“He can do it all,” Ribet Christian Coach Ernest Dailey said. “He is Oakwood.”

And this time, he even got his dunk.