For whom Bell will toil
In a recruiting war that pitted son against father, Chris Rao and the Niagara College Knights were the winners of the Lexxus Bell sweepstakes.
Both Chris Rao and Chris’ father Mike Rao, the coach of the Brock women’s program, had hoped to land the talented Denis Morris basketball player, who signed Tuesday night at Niagara College.
The 17-year-old found herself smack in the middle of the friendly pursuit.
“They were always arguing and making jokes,” she said, with a laugh.
In the end, it was Niagara that emerged as Bell’s newest hoops home.
“They had the program I wanted to take and Chris’s approach to me made me want to come here,” the Grade 12 student said. “Their basketball program is a good opportunity for me and I wanted to take it.”
She was thrilled to sign Tuesday along with Juel teammate Jamira Rousseau.
“It’s amazing. I have known her for a long time and we have played basketball together for a couple years. Coming here to play with her is a big thrill for both of us.
“I am really excited looking forward to the next couple of years.”
Niagara and Brock were both in the running for her services because she preferred to remain in Niagara.
“I wanted to stay home where I was close to my family and all of my friends.”
She plans to study community social justice at Niagara with the hope of working with kids and troubled youth.
The 5-foot-8 guard hasn’t set any specific goals for her first season of Ontario University Athletics’ basketball.
The Denis Morris Reds closed out 2019 finding their shooting touch to earn their first win in Niagara Catholic Athletic Association senior boys basketball action.