Skip to main content

Jan 16, 2025

Ashlan Carlow-Blount Scores 1,000th Career Point, Reflects on Journey and Goals

Multiple

On January 11th, junior Ashlan Carlow-Blount etched her name in the history books by scoring her 1,000th career point, an extraordinary milestone that underscores her dedication, resilience, and love for basketball. Ashlan’s achievement comes in the midst of an undefeated season for her team, currently ranked third in the state.

“It feels super special to me,” Ashlan shared. “I remember when I was an 8th grader on varsity, watching Stevi Fallis and Sharissa Haas reach their 1,000th points. I thought it was so cool, and I knew I wanted to do that too, to celebrate with my family and teammates like they did. To achieve this as a junior makes me so proud and shows that hard work truly pays off.”

The Keys to Success

Ashlan credits her achievement to a combination of relentless effort, unwavering support, and a strong foundation built by her family and coaches. “My family has always been my biggest cheerleaders,” she said. “They’re so loud that I don’t even hear the haters. My ina has been incredible—driving me to the gym every morning, believing in me even when I doubted myself, and teaching me to work hard for the things I want.”

Ashlan also highlighted the pivotal role of her head coach, Matt, who has guided her since her early days in the Little Saders program. “Coach Matt has taught me so much about basketball and life. He pushes us to be our best, on and off the court. He’s intense, but we know it’s because he wants the best for us.”

Milestone Moments

Reflecting on her journey, Ashlan identified several key moments that shaped her as a player. One was during her freshman year, in a Sodak 16 game where she sprained her ankle but fought to contribute despite the setback. “That injury showed me how much I love this game. Sitting out and not practicing was the worst, but it also made me more determined.”

Another pivotal moment came in her team’s first-round state tournament loss to Vermillion last year. “That loss fueled me. It took away our chance to win state, and I don’t want to feel that again. It’s pushed me to work harder every day.”

Among her cherished memories is her team’s Lakota Nation Invitational championship during her freshman year. “It was my first time really contributing on the court, and it felt amazing to battle back and win.”

Looking Ahead

With her 1,000th point now in the books, Ashlan’s focus shifts to her remaining high school career and beyond. Her ultimate goal? To win the Class A Girls State Championship. “That’s my dream, and I’m working every day to make it happen,” she said. “I also want to play basketball at the next level, so I’m preparing to compete with players who are bigger, faster, and stronger.”

Beyond her individual aspirations, Ashlan hopes to inspire the younger generation in her community. “Where we come from, opportunities are limited, but that only makes us stronger. I want to show the younger kids that they can achieve amazing things too. Pine Ridge has taught me to fight for what I want and to stay true to who I am.”

Ashlan’s journey is a powerful reminder that with hard work, determination, and the right support system, dreams can become reality. As she continues to lead her team through an unforgettable season, her story inspires not only her teammates but her entire community.