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QB Dia Bell propels American Heritage to first win over St. Thomas Aquinas in program history

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•10/28/24•

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Byron Louis and Dia Bell copy 1

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage junior quarterback Dia Bell put together one of the best performances of his high school career on Friday in a historic 42-38 win over Florida rival St. Thomas Aquinas.

Bell, a Texas commit, was outstanding. He completed 19 of 22 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns while also compiling 117 yards and a score on eight rushing attempts. The win was American Heritage’s first over St. Thomas Aquinas in program history.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder leaned on his connection with wide receiver Malachi Toney and continuously burned the defense with his feet. Down 10 points in the fourth quarter, Bell broke off a 47-yard touchdown run, then got loose once again on the next possession, setting up Florida State running back commit Byron Louis for the game-winning score with just over three minutes to play. Louis had three TDs in the win.

On the season, Bell has now accumulated 2,854 total yards in his third season as a starter, according to MaxPreps. Through the air, he’s compiled 2,345 yards and 27 touchdowns to just four interceptions in nine games. On the ground, he’s managed 509 yards and four scores.

Bell’s high school career has now witnessed over 5,200 total yards and 60 touchdowns.

With the win, American Heritage finished the regular season with a 5-4 record. The Patriots fought through a tough schedule that included losses to Milton (Ga.) and top-10 Florida programs in Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Central and Norland. The win over Aquinas is a much-needed boost heading into the playoffs, which are set to begin on Nov. 15.

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Bell, the son of former NBA guard Raja Bell, is the No. 12 overall prospect and No. 4 QB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked junior in the state of Florida.

Scout’s Take on Dia Bell

Bell was recently tabbed as the No. 6 recruit and No. 2 QB in the updated 2026 On300. He earned high praise from On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power:

“Texas quarterback commit Dia Bell (No. 6) checks in as the highest ranked prospect outside the five-star range and looks to be the biggest challenger for the top quarterback spot at this juncture. The son of long-time NBA veteran Raja Bell has taken his game to the next level in his second year as a varsity starter at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage. Bell is a clean passer with a game projects as translatable to college football and beyond. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is playing at a high level while facing the toughest competition of any top 2026 quarterback.”