HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Another local athlete is preparing to take their talents to the next level. Hanceville’s Tyson Bellmon signed a scholarship to continue his playing career at Marion Military Institute Sunday afternoon after putting together a stellar Bulldog career. The three-point shooting specialist helped lead Hanceville to the Northeast Regional in his junior season and was a big part of this year’s dramatic run to the final four. Now, he’ll prepare for the next stage of his career with the Tigers and Head Coach Timothy Rogers.
Bulldogs Head Coach Stephen Chandler is proud of everything his standout guard accomplished on the court in his high school career but is even more proud of the young man he’s seen him grow into.
“I’m just so proud and happy for Tyson. His hard work, dedication and ability has given him the opportunity to play at the next level. Marion is getting a high IQ player, willing to do whatever is asked of him but he’s also a great man and teammate who will make any program better,” Chandler said. “Tyson is so coachable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a great coach one day but whatever he chooses, I know he will be successful in the future based on his character alone. Tyson was a big part of the success we have had the last two years and I’m excited to watch the next chapter of his life and see where it takes him.”
Bellmon has gotten to know the coaches at Marion well during the recruiting process and he’s excited to get to work as an incoming player but there was another factor that put Marion over the top for Tyson. He plans to join the U.S. Air Force once his playing days are done and attending Marion will be a valuable step on that path
“Me and the coaches have a good relationship. We talk throughout the week but what sold me on the school wasn’t necessarily just basketball,” Bellmon said. “It was also the experience I’ll get from going to a military institute which is important since I’m planning on going to the Air Force after college.”
Like any athlete preparing to move on and join a new team, Bellmon is going to miss all the time he has spent with his friends, teammates and coaches at home but is also confident that they’ve helped prepare him for this new challenge.
“I’ll miss the family environment, my friends supporting me at every game and the coaches. I think the early morning workouts we had in the preseason prepared me most, showing up on time and giving all I had every day and holding myself accountable if I was not doing that.”
This year’s Hanceville team was the first to advance to the final four in Birmingham since 1999 and Bellmon is proud to be a part that dramatic playoff run. He’s even more proud of the example that he and his fellow seniors are leaving behind for future generations of Bulldogs.
“It means a lot to be part of it. Before practice we would always look at the wall with the championships and stuff and say we were going to put a state championship up there,” Bellmon said. “Unfortunately, we came up short, but we still achieved something great and for the younger guys we just always told them that if you keep doing the right things and work, good things will happen.”
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