Player Spotlight: “She-Bron” Kierstan Bell

Fresh off back to back wins against No. 2 Louisville and Radford University, Ohio State freshman Kierstan Bell was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday. Bell scored 14 points and 6 rebounds against the unbeaten Cardinals and is averaging 11 points this season for the Buckeyes. But the young starter is only just getting started. After all, her career trajectory so far has followed another Ohio great, the kid from Akron, LeBron James.

How you ask? The Canton, Ohio native and Canton McKinley High School graduate won Ms. Ohio Basketball for three consecutive years during her storied high school career. The only other player to receive that honor three times? King James himself.

The true freshman has added a flavor to the very young Ohio State team. In a statement win against No. 2 Louisville, Bell notched 14 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal that showed off her considerable skills when she pulled out a dazzling spin move for a fast break layup, much to the delight of her teammates and fans.

Look familiar?

In her senior year of high school, Bell averaged an astonishing 27 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and left McKinley with 2,833 career points. On a young Ohio State team, Bell is making a name for herself from the start. The Buckeyes have been tested numerous times already this season, with a close 72-63 loss to No. 4 UConn, where Bell added 16 points, 2 steals, and 4 rebounds.

As to the comparisons to Mr. James, Bell has laughed at her “She-Bron” nickname. But her talent is no laughing matter and like the King himself, Bell has the champion attitude to match. When LeBron stopped by one of her games in high school, Bell dropped 38 points in front of the King. Casual.

With all the talent she brings to the Buckeye’s this season, I have a feeling her storied playing career is just getting started. With the words “humble beast” tattooed on her arm and the statistics to match, Bell’s nickname of “She-Bron” has a nice ring to it.