Bell is a pure bucket getter in the 2029 class that burst on the scene at the PHI Freshman Showcase a year ago and continued to show some of that promise last year at Jacobs playing with his brother before transferring to Marian Central Catholic.

I caught the 2029 Bell play in his team’s afternoon game on Friday. The combo guard from Marian possesses a matured strong frame with a controlled and disciplined handle. Bell consistently gets downhill to create quality scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He showed finishing ability at the rim with an acrobatic and one off the glass and while enduring contact while penetrating to get to the stripe. Vision wise, he provides effective pitch ahead passes to get the break phase going while also utilizing a natural quick first step. His eyes are always up to see the floor do see what the defense is providing. Bell’s combination of strength, body control, and competitive mentality makes him a definite watch list guard.

Malachi has a matured feel for game while handling the ball. Played up 2 classes this weekend as team’s primary point. Possesses smooth rhythmic dribbles to orchestrate offense as a scoring point guard. In earl morning game on Saturday he utilized hesitations moves or quick jabs to gain a step on defender. Finishes at the cup with soft touch floaters or runners while also being able to draw fouls and create for others. Has a poised and balanced tempo while being in continuous attack mode.

Team’s main ball handler for an overall younger squad. Shifty and agile at the point spot. Has a quick first step he utilizes to consistently get to the rim. Crashes the boards well for his position for good reason with bounce. Came away with at least a handful of defensive boards reading it well off the rim. Thread the needle after coming off screens in pNr action. Made a sweet shot fake 2 dribble going left and pulling up from 10 feet at the wing. Creative and effective ball handler with finishing touch for a true freshman starter that will continue to make strides and turn some heads through the next 3 years.

Bell is a 6’1” shooting guard that has solid size and strength early in the process.  He caught our attention because of his burst with the ball in his hands and ability to hit a three ball on occasion.  Also got to the line at a super high rate with his quick drives then getting fouled.  Shake off the bounce and burst to the rim.  Good athlete that also got after it defensively.

Bell could grow into a stud in his class. He’s a super lengthy combo out of Jacobs. Makes long strides with the basketball to make tough finishes inside look easy. Moves well-off the ball to get open, too.  Strong rebounder on both ends. I covered his brother, Elijah, the day Prior

Bell thrived with the ball in his hands for Illinois Fast Academy. As a bigger body on the floor, he was able to attack mismatch situations and do damage as a secondary playmaker on the floor. Driving and kicking to open teammates and hitting them on the mark, Bell quickened the pace for his team at Windy City Wars.

Bell was a reliable source of offense for Illinois Fast Basketball Academy. He seemed to have a size mismatch more than not over the span of the weekend. His strength and pace allowed him to get to his spots on the floor on a consistent basis. When under pressure in the back court, he was creating space via his strength and shift. The composed guard threaded the needle when finding teammates in the dunker and corner spots very well. Defenses had to adjust to him all weekend.