Basketball Recap: Madi Capers' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Bell over Byron Nelson

Bell lost against Byron Nelson back in December of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Bell Blue Raiders received a blow as they fell 39-24 to the Byron Nelson Bobcat. While losing is never fun, the Blue Raiders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas basketball rankings (they are ranked 217th, while the Bobcat are ranked 60th).

Bell's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Madi Capers, who posted six points. Jenai Griffin also deserves some recognition as she grabbed her first steals of the season.

Even though they lost, Bell smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in eight consecutive contests.

Belle Ratliff continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines for Byron Nelson, dropping a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Kinsey Morris, who put up eight points.

Bell's defeat dropped their record down to 17-13. As for Byron Nelson, they are on a roll lately: they've won 11 of their last 12 matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 24-8 record this season.

Bell wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 47-25 win against Trinity on the 4th. As for Byron Nelson, they have also already played their next contest, a 64-42 victory against Keller Central on the 4th.