On a winter night in Lyons, New York, senior Jayla Bell etched her name into the record books. Already the all-time leading scorer for Lyons girls’ basketball, Bell reached another historic milestone on February 5, 2025, scoring her 2,000th career point in a game against North Rose-Wolcott. The achievement places her among an elite group of players in Section V history.
For Bell, this milestone is about more than just numbers. It represents years of dedication, perseverance, and a legacy deeply rooted in family.
Basketball has been a part of Bell’s life since childhood. Both of her parents were Lyons basketball players, inspiring her early love for the game. “I started playing basketball when I was four years old and grew up playing on the boys and girls teams,” Bell said. Her mother, Lakeshia Blaisdell, a recent inductee into the Lyons Lions Athletic Hall of Fame, has been her biggest influence. Along with her grandmother, Blaisdell has been a constant source of support throughout Bell’s journey, from community center leagues to AAU competition.
While individual records are impressive, Bell has her sights set on an even bigger goal—bringing a Section V title to Lyons. She values the bond she shares with her teammates and the support of the Lyons community. “Winning alongside my teammates means more than any personal accolade,” Bell said. Her coach, Richard Hill, has played a crucial role in her development, pushing her to new heights and reinforcing the importance of dedication and teamwork.
Beyond basketball, Bell is a three-sport athlete with a love for writing, reading mystery books, and spending time with friends and family. She also works at Wegmans and mentors younger kids through the L.Y.O.N.S. Summer Program. As the oldest sibling, she embraces her role as a role model, especially for her younger sister Ja’Niyah, who is following in her basketball footsteps. “I want her to enjoy the game without feeling pressured,” Bell said. “It’s important to love what you do.”
As graduation nears, Bell looks forward to continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level while exploring life beyond the sport. “Basketball is a big part of who I am, but I want to see where else life takes me,” she said. She dreams of traveling the world and making the most of her college experience.
Looking back on her journey, Bell hopes her success will inspire the next generation. “Records are meant to be broken,” she said. “And I’ll be cheering when the next player surpasses mine.”
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