Basketball has been part of White County guard Bella Winningham’s life for as long as she can remember, but it was not until years of quiet work in the gym that the game truly became hers.
Having lived in the Sparta area since the age of three, Winningham was introduced to basketball early, beginning in a junior pro league when she was just five years old. At first, Winningham said the sport was simply something she enjoyed being around, especially alongside her father. Over time, that connection helped spark a deeper commitment.
“There was a moment cause at first I always wanted to play basketball, but I didn’t,” Winningham said. “Being in the gym with my dad, I always wanted to be like him growing up so I made a change.”
Entering her high school career, Winningham’s reputation centered around her ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. As the seasons progressed, Winningham said she made it a point to expand her game.
“I definitely wanted to improve my driving and getting to the rim more,” Winningham said. “I didn’t just want to be a shooter, I wanted to be like, I can do everything, drive to the basket, rebound, get steals and score, so that’s really my main goal.”
The results have followed. After averaging 15 points per game last season, Winningham has taken another leap this year, pacing the Warriorettes with approximately 17 points per game through the first half of the season. She is also on track to set career highs in both rebounds and steals per game.
Winningham has also made improvement at the free throw line a personal emphasis. After a slow start early in the season, Winningham said she committed herself to extra repetition, often staying late after practices or games.
“At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t hitting them so I was in the gym making like, almost like 50, 100 a day,” Winningham said. “My dad has his own gym so I go there and shoot free throws. I just want to be more consistent with them.”
Winningham said her goal is to finish the season shooting 75 percent or better from the line.
Beyond high school, Winningham’s aspirations remain high. Winningham said she has long dreamed of playing women’s college basketball and ultimately reaching the WNBA. While Winningham said she does not have a specific college destination in mind, she remains focused on continuing her development and embracing what comes next.
For now, that journey continues in a White County uniform, where her expanded skill set, work ethic and confidence have helped elevate both her game and the Warriorettes’ success.
