By Blake Chadwick
Coming off a 19-3 season, Arkansas City junior Maliyah Bell is ready to help lead the Bulldogs back to the top. The versatile power forward has become a cornerstone of the program.
“My biggest strengths are my leadership and communication skills, which allow me to support my teammates and coaches both on and off the court,” Bell said.
Bell, who has been playing basketball since third grade, said the game has shaped much of who she is today.
“I still remember my first rec game,” Bell said. “I was nervous about playing under real rules with actual coaches and teammates. Since then, basketball has become a huge part of my life.”
As she steps into an upperclassman role, Bell is focused on confidence and growth for herself and her team.
“My main goal for this season is to be confident in myself,” Bell said. “For my team, I want us to have fun, stay positive, and take every win and loss as a learning experience.”
Off the court, Bell’s ambitions extend far beyond basketball. She hopes to study psychology and one day open her own practice.
Ark City head coach Tyler Henderson praised Bell for the balance she brings to every aspect of her life.
“Maliyah is an outstanding kid and teammate, demonstrating impressive leadership qualities,” Henderson said. “She excels academically and takes her studies seriously. Her strong work ethic and passion make her a dedicated student of the game. Additionally, she possesses a high basketball IQ and is both skilled and versatile.”
For Bell, that commitment ties back to her mindset as both a player and a leader.
“To me, being gifted as a player means having the tools to succeed in the sport I love,” Bell said. “Being coachable means being disciplined, eager to learn, and always open to understanding and applying what my coach teaches me so I can continue to grow as a player.”
