Kendal Shell grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Shell grew up in a Christian household under the guidance of his two parents, Gloria and William. Shell began playing basketball when he was three years old and was taught the ropes by his two older brothers, William and Shaun.
Shell was an all-conference basketball and baseball player coming out of Webster Groves high school. He played basketball under the leadership of Missouri Hall of fame coach & 3-time state champion, Jay Blossom. Shell credits his passion and relentless energy for the game to Blossom. Kendal and Chauncee come from the same basketball tree in St. Louis where they spent many days and nights throughout high school training together with Coach Corey Frazier and several other St. Louis basketball names.