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HAYDEN AND HALLE WINJUM MAKING THE MOST OF THIER FINAL YEAR PLAYING BASKETBALL TOGETHER

Crookston Girl’s Basketball players and siblings Hayden and Halle Winjum have had the special opportunity of playing Varsity basketball with each other over the past fours years. Halle is just a Sophomore, but with Hayden being a Senior, their time playing together is nearing the end. With that in mind, the two said they have been able to soak in all the moments over the past few years, and it’s something they have never taken for granted. “We have always been extremely close growing up,” said Hayden. “It is kind of surreal to think this duo is going to end soon.” Halle added “I’ve loved the opportunity to play with Hayden and I’ve been fortunate enough to have her as a teammate. It’ll probably be the hardest on our mom once this season does come to an end. She calls this her “Disney World” when we are playing together and like I said, I’ve been very fortunate to have these years playing with Hayden.”

The two have been playing sports with each other since they were little, and each was able to provide what their favorite basketball memories with each other are. “For me, it’s been being able to be up at the front of our full-court press together,” said Hayden. “We kind of corner the ball handler in and then one of us ends up tipping the pass and that allows the other one to grab the ball and that’s always been special for me.” Halle would add “Seventh-grade year sticks out to me because it was my first year at the High School, I had just been pulled up for basketball, but I felt comfortable because I had my sister. She has always been there for me, and I’ve never had to be scared or nervous because of that. Also, over half of my steals are probably on passes that she has tipped so I have her to thank for that.”

The two also participate in Tennis, and Track & Field for Crookston, as Halle said she followed her older sister and played whatever sports she did. They competed this past fall on the Crookston Varsity Tennis team and made the State Tournament and were also doubles partners and made the State Tournament. The two share a special bond that goes far beyond the basketball court, and it’s that same bond that helps them have success on the basketball court. “We’re all very close on this team but it is special with her because I can be extra hard on her and I know her much better than everyone else,” said Hayden. “I think of everyone on this team as a sister but Halle actually is my sister, so it is special.” Halle added by saying “It is a special connection and sometimes we can literally read each other minds and say the same thing. That obviously goes beyond basketball but it is also extremely helpful on the court because we think so much alike.”

Both have played in over 100 career varsity games for Crookston and are an integral part of the team’s success and a big reason Crookston is in the Section 8AA semifinals this Wednesday night against Fergus Falls. Their Head Coach Darin Zimmerman told us he has also noticed there is something special about when the two are on the court together. “With any team at any level, the goal is to get to a point where you know what the other person will do. We have a lot of girls that are like that but it’s different with Hayden and Halle because they’ve been playing with each other their whole lives,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “They have been playing with each other for so long. I’m sure they’ve probably been doing it in their driveway even before grade school. So they have a unique way of communicating with each other.”

Coach Zimmerman also told us what each of them has meant to the program over the years. “They have meant everything. They have really bought into what we’re trying to do and have spent hours working on their basketball game,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “They’ve been through a lot with us and a big part of why our expectations have risen is because of players like them who have bought into everything we’re trying to accomplish. So they’ve meant everything for us.”

Both shared the team has had clear goals for the Pirates this season, and they are now just games away from seeing the goals become a reality. “Making the State Tournament has always been the goal for us since day 1,” said Hayden. “We have a lot of talented players on this team and we know if we play like we’re capable of, that we can accomplish that goal. If we don’t though we just want to leave it all out on the floor knowing we did everything we could.” Halle would add “The ideal ending and goal is finishing as Section champions. This group of Seniors have been through it all and I think we all believe we can get it done.”

Likewise, their coach Darin Zimmerman also believes this goal is more than doable. “Winning the Section title is certainly at the top of our list when it comes to our goals,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “There are plenty of other things that are important as well, but these kids have wanted that Section title and we’re getting closer and closer to accomplishing that.”

Hayden plans to attend The University of North Dakota next year and says she will still be checking in on Halle and the rest of the team, but both she and Halle are hopeful they have a few more games left ahead of them before that moment comes. “It will be tough to see Hayden and the rest of the Seniors go next year,” said Halle. “Will have a lot of shoes to fill but we believe we can accomplish our goal of winning the Section title this year and that’s all we’re focused on right now. We will step up next year and be strong when we need to but for now, we just want to keep playing this year.”

Coach Zimmerman also said he is going to remember lots of different things when it comes to Hayden and Halle, but one thing in particular sticks out above the rest. “They want to be good basketball players, but they want the team to be even better,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “That’s what I’ll remember the most about them collectively together, is just how good they want to be, but the fact they will do whatever they need to do to make sure the team is as good as it can be.”

Coach Zimmerman also said he will remember Hayden specifically for her steadiness and growth over the course of the years, developing into a bigger role each year. For Halle, Coach Zimmerman will always view her for her competitiveness and toughness and want to win. He said Halle is near the top of the list for anyone he has ever coached when it comes to toughness and the will to win.

Crookston will battle Fergus Falls tomorrow night in the Section 8AA semifinals at Detroit Lakes High School as their quest for a trip to the State Tournament continues. The tip-off for the game is at 6:00 p.m. We encourage everyone who can, to attend the game in person, but if you’re unable to make it, KROX will have the game on the radio and on the KROX Live Video Stream beginning with the RiverView Health pregame show at 5:20 p.m.

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