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Bell gets the call
R'head hoopster to shine at USA
Junior Nationals RIVERHEAD--When Riverhead High
School sophomore Shaniece Bell received the telephone call on
June 1 informing her that she had made the New York team for the
USA Junior Nationals Championship Sports Festival, she was pleasantly
surprised.
Bell, along with Riverhead Blue Waves teammate Cherelle Williams
and 200 other girls, tried out for the team in late March at Fordham
University.
"We ran drills and played four games," Bell said. "I
didn't think I'd make it. I played horrible."
But Bell was one of the 12 players selected to play for the New
York team in the tournament, which runs July 21-27 in Columbus,
Ohio. Williams was also picked for the team, but she can't participate
because of her work schedule.
Bell, playing guard and forward for RHS last season, averaged
eight points per game. Injuries played havoc with the Blue Waves'
lineup all season, but Bell was able to see a silver lining. "It
was rough," she said, "but it did give more playing
time for other girls."
Bell, who would "love to play in the WNBA someday,"
has also played Amateur Athletic Union and summer league basketball.
She started playing basketball when she was 10, and has participated
in numerous summer camps and clinics over the years. She said
her mom, Carol, has had a big influence on her.
"Mom is a real positive influence," Bell said. "She
pushes me to go farther. She really encourages me."
Bell said it's a dream to play in the USA Junior Nationals Championships.
"It really is," she said. "I just want to play,
learn and have fun."
-- Chuck Adams
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