Exciting News: Bell Chooses the University of Oklahoma as His Next Big Step!

Leelee Bell, a standout senior from Minot High, recently announced her commitment to play women’s college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. She shared her decision during a heartfelt press conference at Magic City Campus, surrounded by friends, family, teammates, and supporters.

Bell, who is the top-ranked player in North Dakota for the Class of 2026, chose Oklahoma over competitive offers from universities like Louisville, Michigan, and North Carolina. A highlight of her announcement was a video montage showcasing her best moments on the court, followed by her revealing an Oklahoma Sooners T-shirt.

“I felt a spark right after my first day there,” she explained, emphasizing the connection she felt with the team and coaches. Her campus visit solidified her choice. It took just one trip, spanning almost 1,000 miles, to make her decision clear.

In Leelee’s own words, keeping her commitment a secret was easier than she expected. “I guess I’m good at keeping a poker face,” she said. The recruitment process has been long for her, starting in eighth grade. Her success on the court began early when she helped the Majettes win a state title.

Her high school coach, Jason Schwarz, praised her maturity during this challenging experience. “It’s been a great experience for her,” he said. Despite the pressure, Bell focused on her game. She recorded impressive stats, leading to multiple accolades throughout her career.

During her sophomore season, Bell averaged 26.1 points and 11 rebounds per game, leading her team to a perfect record in their region. By her junior year, her performance improved further, culminating in a record-breaking career total of 2,404 points. She now sits just below the all-time scoring record in North Dakota high school history.

As for her recruitment, Bell received 43 offers from various colleges, with schools across major conferences vying for her talents. Earnest Bell, her father, remembers the process well. Having played college basketball himself, he stressed the importance of finding a school that matches her playing style.

“Leelee needed to figure out where she could excel,” he noted. Ultimately, Oklahoma’s system resonated with her abilities. Beyond basketball, Bell is excited to embrace the challenges of leaving home and representing North Dakota at a national level.

Looking back, she values her experiences and the relationships she built in her community. “I’ll always remember the people,” she said, reflecting on her journey.

As she prepares for her senior season, Bell hopes to add more achievements to her record before starting this exciting new chapter in Oklahoma.

For more on her journey, read about her commitment to Oklahoma here.

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