Bell Headed to Chipola

June 5, 2008
By: Clint Cox
Another Bulldog basketball player saw a dream come true last Friday when Derrian Bell publicly announced that he will seek to walk on as a member of the Chipola College Men’s Basketball team. Bell will receive a grant in aid through the Chipola Foundation to attend Chipola. The senior point guard helped lead the Bulldogs to the FHSAA Final Four in Lakeland this past season. The Bulldogs finished the season with a record of 26-4. Bell averaged 10.8 points per game, 4 assist and 2 steals per game during his senior season.
Bell looks forward to being able to continue his basketball career in front of his hometown. "Bulldog basketball has been a big part of my life. We’ve had three players sign to play at the next level and I’m looking forward to being a part of a top program like Chipola," said Bell. Chipola Head Coach Greg Heiar commented, "We are excited to have another young man from our area join our program. During my tenure at Chipola our team has been fortunate to have six members join us from the area schools of Chipley, Cottondale, Graceville, Malone and Vernon. All of these former players have gone on to achieve both academic and athletic success."
Bulldog Head Coach Travis Blanton said Bell is very derserving of the opportunity that lays ahead of him. "Derrian has been one of our leaders in the program for the last four years. He is a hard worker and has been a privilege to have him as part of our program," said Blanton. Bell is the son of Dexter and Vonn Bell. His grandparents include J.D. and Mary Riles, Wade and Mary Williams and Eddie and Cynthia Curry.