On a winter night in Lyons, New York, senior Jayla Bell made history. She has had an impressive career, scoring her 1,000th point as a sophomore in 2023. She became the all-time leading scorer, surpassing previous Lyons records, and reached another historic milestone by scoring her 2,000th career point in the game against North Rose-Wolcott on February 5, 2025, joining an elite group of players in Section V. For Jayla, this achievement represents more than just breaking records; it symbolizes a journey rooted in family, legacy, and perseverance.
Some might say Jayla was born into basketball since it has always been a large part of her life. Her parents, both former Lyons players, inspired her love for the game. "I started playing basketball when I was four years old and grew up playing on the boys and girls teams," Jayla says. Her mother, Lakeshia Blaisdell, a former standout recently inducted into the Lyons Lions Athletic Hall of Fame with the renowned 2004-2005 Girls' Basketball team, has been her biggest influence. She has provided unwavering support at every step of Jayla's journey, along with her grandmother, who has also played a crucial role in supporting her basketball path from community center teams to AAU teams and beyond.
While breaking records and reaching 2,000 career points have been incredible achievements, Jayla's ultimate goal has always been to bring a Section V title to Lyons. More than any individual accolade, she wants to secure a championship banner—not just for herself but for her team and fans, whose support has been the foundation of her success. Her teammates have pushed, challenged, and uplifted her every step of the way, forming a bond that fuels their shared pursuit of greatness. Her coach, Richard Hill, has also played a crucial role in her development, pushing her to new heights and instilling the belief that success comes from dedication and teamwork. For Jayla, the greatest accomplishment isn't a personal milestone—it's winning alongside her teammates and leaving behind a legacy that belongs to all of them.
While Jayla’s basketball achievements are remarkable, there’s more to her than basketball. She is a three-sport athlete who enjoys attending school, writing, reading mystery books, and, most importantly, spending time with her friends and family. You may have also seen her as the friendly cashier at Wegmans. During the summer, she works with youth at the L.Y.O.N.S. Summer Program.
As the oldest sibling, Jayla also relishes being a role model for her younger sisters, especially Ja’Niyah, who’s following in her basketball footsteps. "I want her to enjoy the game without feeling pressured," Jayla says. "It’s important to love what you do."
With graduation approaching, Jayla is excited to continue her basketball career at the collegiate level while exploring life beyond the court. "Basketball is a big part of who I am, but I want to see where else life takes me," she says, dreaming of traveling to destinations around the world and getting the most out of her college experience.
Reflecting on her journey, Jayla hopes her achievements inspire future players. "Records are meant to be broken," she says, "and I’ll be cheering when the next player surpasses mine." Surrounded by teammates, family, and fans, Jayla stands as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and community support.
(Young Jayla Bell plays basketball at the Lyons Community Center)