Park Hill football player Kendrick Bell earns Simone Award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Park Hill High School senior Kendrick Bell was recently named the best high school football player in Kansas City. He was awarded the 39th-annual Simone Award, which recognizes the top all-around high school football player in the area. Kendrick is the third Park Hill Trojan to win the prestigious award, and the award is even more special because his older brother, Ronnie, won it in 2017.
鈥淲henever I reached middle school, Ronnie was the best player on his high school team,鈥� Kendrick told BVMSports.com. 鈥淲atching him play, I felt like I was watching Randy Moss. It felt really cool, too, because he was my brother. I felt like I could see myself being that great.鈥�
And Kendrick was great this year as the starting quarterback for the Trojans, breaking several school records, including completion percentage (72%), passing touchdowns (35) and passing yards (3,228).
Kendrick also competes in track and field for Park Hill, and he鈥檚 currently starring on the basketball court alongside his twin brother, Marqueas. But soon, he鈥檒l be moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to focus exclusively on school and football. Kendrick plans to follow in his brother鈥檚 footsteps by playing football next year at the University of Michigan, where Ronnie has starred as a top wide receiver under Coach Jim Harbaugh. He led the Wolverines in receiving yards this season.
According to 247Sports, Kendrick is a three-star recruit, currently ranked 24th-best in the state. His high school coach loves his potential.
鈥淸The] sky is the limit for him offensively,鈥� Park Hill Football Coach Andy Sims told BVMSports.com. 鈥淗e is a dual-threat QB that can bring a different dynamic to the Michigan offense. If there is a reason why he does not start at QB, he could easily switch to wide receiver. At 6-foot-4 and [with a] 34-inch vertical and his knowledge of defensive coverages, he would definitely be a threat at wide receiver.鈥�
Northland fans who have watched Kendrick shine at Park Hill can cheer him on at Michigan this fall. The Bell brothers won鈥檛 get a chance to play together, however; Ronnie officially announced that he will enter the 2023 NFL Draft, which will be held in April here in Kansas City.
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