Head Coach Alison Hidey states, “Bella is a four-year varsity player, 3 year all conference select player, and 1 year captain. The last two years, I have coached Bella, she has helped lead us to a third-place finish in our league (losing only to top-ranked teams, Belleville and Wayne Memorial) and back-to-back city championships vs Franklin and Churchill.” As a junior, Bella guided Livonia Stevenson to a 16-8 record, while only losing to top 25-ranked programs. As a Senior, Bella helped Stevenson improve to 17-5 with losses to Belleville, Wayne Memorial, and Hartland. Livonia Stevenson traditionally has not been ranked statewide, but that changed this year. The Spartans were ranked by me, BCAM, and MaxPreps as a top 20 program at various points throughout the year. Coach Hidey says, “Bella not only is one of our best bigs, but she can also handle the ball and has great court vision against the press and double teams. She pushes herself incredibly hard in practice.” Bella is averaging 11 points, 6.5 rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game, making her the team leader in almost every statistical category. She’s been one of the biggest rankings risers in the past year and is certainly one of the most underrecruited prospects with her 6-foot-1 frame, inside-outside abilities, versatility to play positions 1-4 at the high school level, solid build, and guard-like abilities. Bella helped Stevenson win their District, defeating Farmington Hills Mercy 58-53 to advance to the Regional Semifinal. This feat is something the Spartans haven’t accomplished in over a decade. Saginaw Valley State got an absolute gem, and I’m expecting Bella to have a very productive career in the GLIAC.

Bella was a hidden gem in this class, and SVSU is getting an absolute steal. She’s fundamentally skilled, strong, and tall. Bella has vision like a guard, finishes with power and soft touch off two feet, is a determined rebounder, and an active defender. Bella has been a double-double producer for Stevenson and set the single-game school record for steals with 14.

Bella played two games this week and she recorded double-doubles in both games, setting a new school record in the process. Bella started the week with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks during a 68-25 win at Troy Athens. The next day, she scored 20 points, swiped a school-record 14 steals, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out seven assists in a 70-24 win vs. Berkley.

Bella has prototypical length, strength, instincts, and fundamental abilities that will translate to the next level. She’s capable of playing multiple positions. Bella has been on our radar for a while after years of consistency at Stevenson, and she had a breakout performance in front of college coaches in Hamilton, Ohio, for 1 Nation Elite-P32 . Her recruiting has gained traction, and she’d be an exciting prospect to have at The Expo.

Bella shot up our rankings in the latest update and for good reason. She’s proven herself time and again, with another great showing at Northwood Team Camp. Bella can play positions 1-5 at any point for Stevenson. She sealed defenders with brute strength inside and scored with her left hand after a step-through pivot move. Bella plays smart without the ball, scoring multiple layups on back-door cuts–she transfers the ball quickly to finish with either hand. Bella slides laterally to cut off drives and closed out hard to block a perimeter shot attempt. She was a force on the offensive glass and ran swiftly up the court to score transition layups.

Bella uses her length and strength to bully defenders in the paint. She gains the advantage inside and finishes effectively off two feet. Bella creates separation with her dribble, buries jumpers, and has a unique combination of size/skills that earned her a giant leap up our rankings.

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Bella unleashed her physical advantage in the second half against Groves, scoring 14 of her team-high 17 points with a flurry of field goals inside. Bella imposed her will in the paint on Tuesday, scoring a strong and-one through contact and sealing her defender for an entry pass before driving by to score a left-handed layup. Bella knocked down a mid-range jumper off the bounce, finished effectively with both hands several times off two feet, secured offensive rebounds, and dishing assists to teammates. Her complete performance guided the Spartans to an opening-night victory.

Bella earned All-Conference Select Team honors last season and she showed why on Sunday at the Big Cat fall league. Bella has the height and strength to play inside but is very skilled as a ball-handler. She attacked defenders using her dribble and delivered passes on the money to teammates for assists. Bella battled on the boards to score an offensive rebound putback with her left and scored a strong drop step finish off two feet. A 6-foot plus guard/wing prospect like Bella is a prospect colleges should prioritize seeing this winter.