Over a four-year span, the Coffee County community watched Bella Vinson lead the Lady Raiders to 107 wins, hit game winning shots and create countless memories inside of Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gymnasium.
Now her jersey will hang there forever.
Vinson’s game-worn #23 jersey was retired Friday night before the Lady Raiders played Tullahoma. It is not prominently displayed in the entryway of the school’s gym.
“I was blown away (by this),” said Vinson. “I didn’t know what to expect. I’m just so, so grateful for everyone who put this together. It turned out so good. “
Between 2017-2021, Vinson amassed 2,113 points – which is the most all time for a Coffee County basketball player, male or female. She also holds the program’s all-time rebounds record at 862.
Those are accomplishments Vinson didn’t foresee when she started her high school career.
“Coming in, coach (Joe Pat Cope) always told me I was going to have to be that player and step up for us to win,” explained Vinson. “I want to win, so I just did whatever it took to win and I guess that’s just how it ended up. “
Currently as a sophomore starter for the Lipscomb Bisons, Vinson is averaging 12.5 points per game and 4 rebounds per game.
