Unstoppable
Swogger breaks career scoring record in blowout win over Northern Bedford
February 11, 2016
Karson Swogger started out hot from the field last night and never looked back. Scoring her 1000th point earlier this year as a junior, she has another record to her name: Bellwood girls’ basketball all-time leading scorer.
She set this mark with a driving left-handed layup midway through the third quarter, causing the game to be paused to recognize this outstanding achievement.
“I didn’t want to think about it too much (heading into the game),” Karson said. “If it happened then it happened.”
Bellwood won the game 76-36, but the main focus was on Swogger last night.
“Karson is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” said Coach Jim Swaney. “She has always been a very good offensive player and has worked hard to make herself just as good on the defensive end, always drawing the assignment of guarding our opponents best guard. She leads our team in assists and steals and leads by example every day. Karson does not allow anyone to ever work harder than she does.”
Swogger surpassed the previous record-holder, Kathy Geis, who held the record for 26 years and amassed a total of 1,631 points. Needing 31 points to tie the record and 32 to break it, she scored 33. She now has sole possession of the record and still has playoffs this year and her full senior year to add to it.
Swogger paced Bellwood with her point total and also added 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
“She is a great kid and one of the most coachable players I have been around. In my eyes she is the best player in Blair County and one of the best five in Class AA state wide,” Swaney said.
Caroline Showalter scored 12 points and recorded 8 rebounds to back her up.
“”We want to take one game at a time,” Karson said. “We have to first focus on Everett so we can have the ICC title. The it’s on to Districts and states.”
The girls’ team improved to 18-4 on the year with the victory. Their next game will be the ICC Championship on Saturday, February 13 at approximately 7:45 P.M. The game will be held at Claysburg-Kimmel High School.
