Bell Works on Cracks in Attitude

Mike Bell took the outlet pass in stride and was crossing half court when a raised voice came from the scorer’s table.

“He’s not giving that ball up; no way, no how,” said the man, a high school assistant coach.

Sure enough, Bell, a 6-foot-6 forward for Canoga Park High, drove the lane and into a thicket of defenders, ignoring several open teammates and losing the ball.

“[He] can play, but he’s selfish,” said the coach, shaking his head.

For Bell, that’s the rub. The senior’s skills are rarely questioned, but the same can’t be said for his take on teamwork.

In Canoga Park’s 57-55 victory over Crespi in the War on the Floor tournament Wednesday, he scored 21 points and was clearly the most talented player on the floor.

Even so, he shot dirty looks at his coaches when they substituted for him, criticized teammates as he sat on the bench and protested loudly when called for fouls.

“He’s a smooth player but . . . “ Crespi Coach Dick Dornan said. “If he polishes his game and gets some discipline and composure, he’ll be all right.”

Bell was held to four points Thursday as he shuffled in and out of the lineup between angry displays in a 73-65 loss to Notre Dame.

Still, Bell figures to be one of the Hunters’ key players next season after averaging 9.5 points and 9.8 rebounds as a junior.

Canoga Park Coach Ralph Turner said Bell has improved his behavior.

“He’s taken a new attitude and it’s been 200% better,” said Turner, who suspended Bell for three games last season because of disciplinary problems.

“When he doesn’t talk and just plays, he’s outstanding. In that situation, the only person who can stop him is himself.”

Bell transferred from Chatsworth during his sophomore season after a dispute with Chancellor Coach Fluke Fluker.

“I left with 10 games left in the season and they lost all 10,” Bell said.

Bell insists he’s growing up and that his self-centered behavior on the court is often an attempt to shoulder the load for his team.

“We have a young team and when they’re giving [the ball] away, I have no problem taking over the game because I hate to lose,” he said. “I really had an attitude problem when I transferred, but from where I was to where I am now, I’ve really made strides.”