FOUR weeks on the sidelines was long enough for one of the Warrnambool Seahawks’ most committed basketballers.
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James Mitchell returned wearing a brace on his injured knee via the Big V contender’s only double-header of the season last weekend.
The Geelong-based optometry student, who returns home for training twice a week, said he had recovered fully after dislocating his kneecap early in the season.
Mitchell will help fill the void of sidelined skipper Alex Gynes (back) against Shepparton Gators on the road on Saturday night.
“The knee feels good. It’s more about getting back into fitness and game touch,” he said.
“I am really happy with how I recovered. I worked hard on my rehab.”
Mitchell played 18 and 12 minutes respectively last weekend on return.
He expects a team approach to help overcome Gynes’ absence for a third straight game.
“I thought I was going to get eased in a bit but Alex was out so I was thrown in,” Mitchell said.
“It (the line up) depends on the game. (Coach) Matt (Alexander) always decides during a game on match ups.
“Alex does too much for just one person to cover.”
Mitchell said the Seahawks, who have started their title defence with a 5-1 win-loss record, were playing with confidence.
“We have a mentality where we’re never out of the game,” he said.
“There’s been a couple of games this year where we’ve come back late.”
Alexander said “there was no one more committed” to the Seahawks’ cause than Mitchell.
Warrnambool Mermaids host North East Bushrangers at the Arc from 8pm.