A new South Dakotan has joined the state’s high school girls’ basketball 2,000-point club. On Saturday during the Sacred Hoops Classic event in Sioux Falls, Winner senior basketball stand out Bella Swedlund hit the milestone in a game against Florence/Henry. Coming into the game, she had 1,998-points.
Winner’s Bella Swedlund joins the 2,000 point club. https://t.co/qWYKi0pEa7
— Nate Wek (@Nate_WekSDPB) January 29, 2022
“I was more excited to get out there and play, the 2,000-point was just part of the day,” Swedlund explained. “I wanted to win mostly. It wasn’t my number one focus, but it was still exciting.”
Swedlund mentioned how even though it’s an individual milestone, this is a mark she couldn’t have reached by herself.
“It makes you appreciate the hard work and hard-working people in your life that gave you the opportunity,” explained Swedlund. “You think of the 2,000 people who helped you get to where you are and the 2,000 hours you’ve put in.”
The Winner girls basketball team currently sits at 6-7 on the year in Class A, with still plenty of season left. For Swedlund, she takes pride in being a leader on the squad, despite what the scoreboard may say at times.
“We’re young, there are only five seniors,” she stated. “It’s a good day going to practice and thinking “we’re going to get better today.” I make speeches and want to let the girls know we’re one team. We win together and we lose together.”
In general, Winner is a solid school when it comes to athletics. From football, volleyball, basketball, and track, there always seems to be success. Swedlund also recognizes this, and it’s a conversation she says she’s had with her dad.
“It’s all about genetics. When my dad was in high school, they played in state championships, and some of his teammates have kids in school now too in Winner,” Swedlund mentioned. “It comes down to growing up, you want to be that kid, you want to be that good. Going back to fifth grade, I wanted to be that.”
Next year, Swedlund will continue her basketball career in college at the University of Kansas.
“I can’t wait to play in the Big 12 for Kansas. I love the staff there. I’ve known two of the assistants since the beginning of the recruitment,” she said. “I’m really excited to be a Jayhawk, but deep down I’m a Winner Warrior for life.”
Swedlund is the 31st girls high school basketball player in South Dakota history to reach 2,000 career points.
