Winjum led Crookston to an opening-round win over Menahga in the Section 8AA Tournament scoring 21 points and tallying 9 assists along with 8 rebounds. In the Pirates final game of the season, she was also one of two players to score 13 points in their defeat to Thief River Falls 46-42 in the Section 8AA Quarterfinals.
On top of that, Winjum was recently selected as a member of the 2023 All State team for Class AA. She made the honorable mention team and is one of the few Pirates to ever be selected. “Halle’s attitude from when I first met her has always been great,” said Pirates coach Darin Zimmerman. “She has a strong desire to help the team do whatever it takes to win whether it’s in a game, practice, or even the offseason and I think that’s what makes her such a special player.”
Winjum wasn’t hesitant in saying basketball is her favorite sport and it’s clear how much time she does pour into her craft. “I just love the team aspect and everything that goes into it,” said Winjum. “If you’re down your teammates can pick you up and every element of the sport whether it’s the practices, the crowd atmosphere, or even the locker room, all of it is what makes it so special.”
Winjum will have one more year remaining before her high school playing days are over, and she is arguably already one of the most decorated Pirate Girl’s Basketball players in recent memory. “She is by far the most accomplished and most experienced player that I’ve ever had return over my time coaching,” said coach Zimmerman. “She’s played at such a high level for a really long time, and her role over the years has just continued to grow. I can’t say I’ve ever had a player around for this long, or at least one that’s had this much success over such a long period of time.”
Winjum has also been a State Tennis participant and is on the track & field team for the Pirates in the spring. She is a part of the Crookston High School LEO Club, plays the trumpet, participates in Student Council, and is involved on the Prom Committee this year. Away from sports and school, she enjoys spending time with friends.
First started playing basketball – I had a 4-year-old birthday party that was basketball themed so I think it started then.
What is the best part of your game – My awareness of the court
What part of your game do you want to see improvement on – Keeping my composure
Favorite basketball memory over the years – Being apart of the team my 7th grade year and playing at UMC when the gym was completely full.
Do you have a pregame ritual – I can only eat exactly three hours prior to the start of the game
Favorite sport – Basketball
Favorite athlete – Paige Bueckers
Favorite Movie – Pitch Perfect
Favorite TV Show – Outer Banks
Favorite food – Crepes
What music are you listening to – Whatever my older sister suggests
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – My sister and two brothers
Family –
Dad – Chris (Works at UMC)
Mom – Leah (Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Director)
Brothers – Walker (Graduated from Crookston in 2020, attends NDSU)
Reggie (Freshman)
Sister – Hayden (Graduated from Crookston last year, attends UND)
