By Krystle Bono, Submitted Photo
Senior Yellow Jacket varsity hoops standout Jawaun Bell hit the 1,000 point milestone during the team’s home court battle against Norfolk Academy on Jan. 3., posting 26 points in the game.
As a four-year varsity starting point guard, Bell has been an integral part of his Northampton squad since his name has been on the varsity roster his freshmen season. Bell transferred to Tallwood High last year, but returned to the Yellow Jackets to finish his high school tenure.
To the young athlete, reaching that marker was more than just an acheivement; it was a reminder of the amount of hardwork he has desposited across countless courts throughout his time with the Yellow Jackets, and is something he will always remember.
“It felt good. Those last two points felt like the hardest points of my life, but once I finally got it together and locked in and I finally got those last two points in, it was the best feeling ever, ” reflects Bell.
With this achievement and another district title under his belt, Bell is looking ahead to what’s to come in the regional playoffs, and has his eyes on the state finals.
“First playoff game is Friday. We are planning on of course, winning that, and we play one more game. If we win that, we automatically go to states. So, our whole goal is to get to VCU and play in states. I’ve never played in states, so a first time for everything,” said Bell.
Bell totaled 155 points, averaging 8.6 points per game in his freshman season with 132 assists, and was selected to the All-District team and was second team All-Region. His sophomore year earnings averaged 16.2 points per game with 358 total and 150 assists, with accolades including another All-District nod, and adding Conference 41A Co-Player of the Year and second team All-State.
During his year with Tallwood, Bell accumulated 277 points and 117 assists and was named Offensive Player of the Year. Now in his return to Northampton as a senior, Bell is averaging 21 points and 7 assists per game, totaling 422 points and 158 assists.
Bell always knew basketball was his sport, and isn’t planning to let go anytime soon.
“I used to play football and basketball, but I knew when I got older, I was going to have to pick one and stay dedicated. Something about basketball just stood out, and ever since then, I’ve just taken it and ran with it, and I’ve been dedicated ever since. My biggest motivator and supporter is my dad [Northampton head coach Wayne Bell],” says Bell.
Bell plans to play ball next year, and has been accepted to both Virginia Wesleyan and Virginia State Universities.
