Harmony Bell Secures College Future with Commitment to Simmons College Basketball
Middleton High School basketball player Harmony Bell has committed to Simmons College of Kentucky where she will continue her on the court skills as a Lady Falcon after graduating in May 2026. The offer from Simmons College was one of the few offers which Harmony received. Despite her options, choosing to continue playing the game of basketball at Simmons College was an easy one for Harmony to make.
“I chose the college because for one this was my first offer which meant to me that the coach saw something in me before any other coach that offered me did. Out of all my offers, this school coach was the only one I built a strong comfortable connection with,” said Harmony, who shared how it felt once she finally committed.” The moment I officially committed felt like a dream come true. I always dreamed of playing at the next level and to finally commit to a college was a relief and goal achieved!”
Harmony noted the recruiting process was “kind of scary” and slow. Offers did not start coming in until the end of her junior year.
“It was a motivation to work harder to get more,” said Harmony, who achieved several milestones her junior year in basketball.
Harmony and her MHS Lady Tigers teammates were named 1A District 13 champions and she was named to the 2025 All-Region 7A Tournament Team. One of the biggest achievements for Harmony during the 2024/2025 basketball season was joining the MHS 1,000 Point Club. She obtained that honor after hitting 1,000 points in a January 2025 home game against West Carroll High School.
Harmony joined coach Burkley, who reached 1,000 points in 1983, as well as fellow Lady Tigers Averyale Joy, Deja Faulkner, Chelsea Perry, and Sequoya Warren, who were members of the MHS 2015 State Championship team.
As with social media, news of Harmony’s accomplishment spread fast. Although Harmony is not originally from Hardeman County, she is every little bit of a hometown girl. Hardeman County claims Harmony as its own. So many from the community expressed their joy for her as well as their sadness.
“I actually surprised everyone on social media, but according to their responses, they are happy, but a few will miss me because of the distance,” said Harmony, who appreciates all the well wishes and will miss the Hardeman County fans too. “I will miss my high school game atmosphere with the crowd and of course my teammates and coaches. My biggest supporters have definitely been my family, and my biggest influence was my coaching staff.”
Harmony wants everyone to know she is still here and committed as an MHS Lady Tigers player and will continue playing hard this basketball season.
“I plan to finish this year out strong and mark my territory at MHS, so people can remember the name. And push for a state tournament before I leave,” said Harmony.
Although she is focused on the current season, Harmony did share what she is looking forward to in the future once playing at the collegiate level.
“I’m excited to bring my offensive skills to the program, sisterhood, and most importantly defense which is something I have to get better at,” said Harmony, who is all about improving her game. “Goals I have set are to dominate at the next level, keep a leveled mindset, and to become more of a vocal leader even as a freshman.”
Basketball is a key element in her life, but academics are just as important to Harmony.
“Academically, I plan to go into the medical field to pursue my physical therapist career or go into computer technology,” said Harmony, who shared a few words of advice for her peers. “Never give up when it gets hard. Listen to the people who have been through the process before, because it will help during the moment and in the long run.”
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
