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Tyreese Smith
Apr 15, 2022

Player Profile: Isabella Chimienti (York, PA)

Updated: Nov 10, 2022


Name: Isabella Chimienti


Height: 5-8


Position: Point Guard


High School: Central York (PA)


Graduation Class: 2023


AAU Club: Nook Lady Raiders Basketball Academy


GPA: 4.0


Offers: Goldey-Beacom, Millersville and Shippensburg.


Status: COMMITTED - Shippensburg (11/9/22)


Bella Chimienti (Kimmy-N-T) is a 5-8 Point Guard from York, Pennsylvania. She's currently a junior at Central York High School, and runs with the Nook Lady Raiders on the AAU circuit. Chimienti, a four-year varsity starter, also holds offers from Millersville and Shippensburg, in which she received throughout her junior academic year.


I have a knack for evaluations and scouting, but after watching Chimienti for the past year, the young lady is everything you can look for in a prospect. And, I usually don't like to say that, but I am highly impressed with the college prospect's game. From her perimeter game with shooting the three ball, the display of sneaky athleticism in the open court to the unselfish demeanor in finding her teammates, Chimienti is ahead of her years and has created her success story. Chimienti is expected to have a big summer under Kevin Glover for the Nook Lady Raiders, and is looking to reach the 1,000 point milestone and district championship aspirations. But in the meantime, lets get to know about Bella Chimienti!

 

BREAKDOWN


STRENGTHS

Ball Handling

"Solid with the rock, Chimienti is wizard like when dribbling in the open court. Facing pressure isn't a thing for the prospect as she is as tough as they come on the perimeter."

Can score at all three levels.

"One of her best strengths, if not the best, Chimienti is a skilled scorer. No matter if it's her lighting up the perimeter or smoothly scoring in the paint, the Central York product has game. Very tough at all three levels. No speed up at all in her game, just vibes!"

Change of Direction Game

"Chimienti is pretty solid in the transition game. Central is one of the best teams that I've seen in the open court. The ball rarely touches the floor when in transition and Chimienti does a well done job. Changing speeds and direction in the one-on-one game is also a plus, as she's a sneaky athlete. Don't be fooled, Chimienti will have you second guessing as a defender."

High IQ Player

"Being a 4.0 student in the classroom, no surprise here from Chimienti. Chimienti always looks to make the right play no matter the situation. But fair warning, always be alert because she may bomb a pass at you being a wizard."

High Motor Player

"Chimienti may not be the biggest guard, but you won't ever have to question her heart and determination. Chimienti will find some way to compete with you. Even an off night for her on offense, she has the leadership ability to get her teammates involved and keep her team in the game."

Natural Born Playmaker

"I don't know if it is just me, but Chimienti reminds me of an Italian John Stockton. Well, in this case let's say the York County Stockton with how she creates for others. Very unselfish, very polished with the rock."

Shooting Ability

"A comfortable shooter from the arc, Chimienti's jumper is as smooth as they come. She has a nice lift on her shot and goes straight up every time, rarely pushing through her form. One thing I do love about her shot is she has built so much confidence with shooting. She will let it go even with a little amount of space, and has little regard to human life if there is a hand up. Central is known for raising shooters, and Chimienti is keeping the tradition alive!"

Things to Improve On

Getting Stronger

"Chimienti is able to hold her own but in order to prepare for the college game, she will need to keep living in the weight room. Not much to improve on, but the college game is much faster with stronger girls. Taking pride in the weight room, performance lab and outside work will be crucial for her this summer."

Shot Creation

"Chimienti has gotten so much better throughout her junior season. With her shooting ability, Chimienti lit up teams throughout the winter. But adding more to her bag and staying consistent throughout the live period, will be crucial. Within her pull game from 15 feet out and becoming one as a floater specialist, Chimienti will need to use her IQ and floor general bag to become more creative!"
 

Bella Chimienti Interview

When did you start playing basketball?

"I started playing basketball in 3rd grade. I vividly remember dribbling on the driveway one day with some neighborhood friends, and my dad, Cosmo suggested I try out for the school team."

Describe how you are as a player from the skill standpoint?

"I have played the point guard position since I began playing basketball. I like to think my style of play is versatile to the point where I can get the rim, shoot a 3-pointer, or pull up for a midrange. I also feel like I’ve developed a high IQ of the game from my years of experience."

How was your junior season?

"My junior season was a fun experience. Although, it ended short losing in the 2nd round of States, I’m glad we got to experience the level of competition that we did. I think I developed a lot as a player as far as shooting consistency and accuracy. I’m really just anxious to see what the team and I can do for my senior year."

You started getting your name on the radar picking up two offers throughout your junior season. Describe how your college recruitment is currently and your status heading into the summer.

"I am so blessed to say I have received an offer from Shippensburg earlier this year, and recently picked up an offer from Millersville. I have been in contact with a few other colleges who have asked for my AAU schedule, so I’m really hoping to prove myself this summer as we travel to showcases."

You’ve pretty much played with Mackenzie Wright-Rawls your whole basketball journey. From being teammates at Central to playing on the circuit with one another, y’all have been regarded as one of the better one-two punches in South Central PA. But describe the experience of growing up with Mackenzie.

"Until now, I’ve never really thought about it but I have never not played with Mackenzie. We have known each other and played together ever since 3rd grade. We’ve also been a classic post and point guard duo ever since. We have an unexplainable chemistry on the court that just comes naturally. We are constantly pushing each other to get better. We have always been so supportive of each other both on and off the court."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"My typical training schedule is practicing with my AAU team throughout the week with lifting and conditioning afterwards. On weekends that we don’t have tournaments, I’ll go to the gym with my high school teammates to get shots up and do skill work, or train with my dad at a local gym near our house."

What are your plans for spring/summer?

"I'll be playing AAU for the Lady Raiders. We just competed in the Hoop Group tournament in Maryland, and we have a lot of tournaments scheduled at Spooky Nook. I’m especially looking forward to the out-of-state showcase tournaments in New Jersey and Virginia."

Which athlete do you look up to the most?

"Athletes I look up to the the most are arguably the best women’s college basketball players right now. Shaylee Gonzales from BYU and Caitlin Clark from Iowa are both amazing players. They both put in a countless amount of hours to improving their game, and they both have a high IQ which helps them to make the right plays at the right time."

Who do you look up to as role models?

"My biggest role models in my life are of course my parents. My mom, Kim is very strong-willed and determined. Although my mom has not played basketball, she was involved in just about every other sport you could be in. She motivates me to reach my goals and really helps with the mental side of the game. My dad played basketball growing up and has always been my primary trainer. He is constantly motivating me and pushing me to reach my fullest potential. They have supported me every step of the way, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m so grateful to have the support system that I do."

I know it is still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your senior season?

"For my senior season, I’m looking forward to taking my team as far into the playoffs as possible. I’m hoping to come out of counties, districts, or states with a championship title. I’ve grown up playing with the girls that will be seniors, so I want to make sure it is a memorable senior year. I’m also looking forward to reaching my long term goal of hitting 1,000 career points and possibly even becoming one of top 3 leading scorers in school history."

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

"Try not to get so caught up in comparing your journey to that of others. Everyone has a different path so focus on yourself and reach your own goals."

Media Coverage on Bella Chimienti



Twitter @bellac2023


High School Coach Information

Scott Wisner


AAU Coach Information

Kevin Glover - Email


Contact Tyreese Smith

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