This season, high school basketball players have made headlines across the nation, with remarkable performances underscoring their potential for future success. From the snowy fields of North Dakota to the warmer climates of Mississippi, two outstanding young athletes have been recognized as top performers in their respective states.
In North Dakota, Leelee Bell from Minot has been named the 2024-25 MaxPreps Player of the Year. This remarkable 6-foot-3 junior guard led the Minot Magicians to a stellar 24-3 record and a third-place finish in the Class AA state tournament. Bell's impressive season statistics included an average of 27.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, making her a formidable presence on the court.
Beyond just numbers, Bell achieved a significant milestone this season by surpassing the 2,000 career points mark, ultimately reaching 2,404 points. With this achievement, she became the Class A/Division AA all-time leading scorer in North Dakota, breaking the previous record held by Jocelyn Schiller, the 2023-24 Player of the Year, during the state semifinals. Bell is not just dominating locally; she’s also recognized nationally, being ranked as a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports.
The interest in Bell is palpable, with scholarship offers pouring in from numerous prestigious programs such as Arizona State, Michigan State, and Ohio State, reflecting the high expectations for her future in basketball. As the season wraps up, Bell's talent and determination set her on a path to excellence, and she will be a key player to watch during the upcoming seasons.
Meanwhile, in Mississippi, Fran Kelly has also earned significant recognition, being awarded the Gatorade Mississippi girls basketball player of the year. Kelly, who plays for the Hernando Tigers, established herself as one of the state’s elite players this season. Her performance was highlighted by an impressive scoring average of 26 points per game, complemented by 4.3 steals, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Under Kelly's leadership, the Tigers secured a 22-7 record, making a strong run in the 7A playoffs, although they ultimately faced tough competition, falling to Tupelo 83-40 in the quarterfinals. Throughout the season, her consistency was remarkable, scoring in double digits in every game except for one and achieving 30 points in 15 games, solidifying her reputation as a prolific scorer.
In addition to her accolades on the court, Kelly was also named the 7A Miss Basketball by the MHSAA, an honor that cements her status as one of Mississippi's top athletes. She received a scholarship offer from Clemson last December and is expected to attract even more attention from universities as her senior season approaches.
As both players celebrate their achievements, the recognition they have garnered brings them one step closer to potentially being included in the MaxPreps All-America Team, set to be announced in April. This annual recognition showcases the nation’s top high school talent, and both Bell and Kelly are certainly on the radar.
Looking back at previous North Dakota MaxPreps Players of the Year, past selections have included notable names such as 2024 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and All-WNBA first team members like Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart. The strong lineage of excellence makes Bell's achievements even more significant.
Similarly, Kelly’s honors echo within the Mississippi basketball community, where athletes strive to achieve such recognition. As high school sports gain traction across the United States, athletes like Bell and Kelly showcase what it means to excel increasingly in competitive environments.
With the conclusion of the high school basketball season just around the corner, Bell and Kelly both look forward to what might come next. Their recent performances not only reflect their hard work and dedication but also serve as inspirations for future generations of athletes.
In the world of sports, every season tells a new story, and the 2024-25 season has left an indelible mark on high school basketball. With players like Leelee Bell and Fran Kelly setting the stage, it will be exciting to see how their journeys unfold in the future.
