By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Hardness is defined as the ability to resist friction, measured by the Mohs scale. Basketball’s scale is simple: points allowed. Defense, which reveals the factors of effort and determination, has always been a way to calculate toughness.
That’s why Bedford North Lawrence’s previous battles with South Knox have been low-scoring, tight-fisted, miserly, offensively miserable clashes. On the hardness scale, the Spartans have lived up to their nickname, difficult to scratch against.
The Stars have won all three games in the brief series, with the last two meetings finishing with scores in the 30s. That’s neither a comfortable temperature nor a pleasurable contest to watch, unless defense sparks a warm feeling. And that could be the same scenario when South Knox (6-3 heading into Friday’s test with Northeast Dubois) visits BNL Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Spartans are allowing only 39.3 points, and they’ve held held three opponents under 32 (including only 13 given up to rival North Knox). BNL also advocates that tough stance, so expect few fireworks and more friction.
“It’s two guys (including South Knox coach David Burkett) that emphasize defense first,” BNL coach Jeff Hein said. “That’s what you run into. We think a lot alike, when it comes down to how to win games. He’s been successful doing that. We have the same mentality.”
BNL started the series with a 57-44 road win, but the last two have required aspirin to solve the scoring headaches. The Stars prevailed 36-30 during South Knox’s first appearance on Damon Bailey Court, then won the road rematch last season 34-33.
Colten Leach was the hero of the last encounter. His 3-point play with 22 seconds left gave the Stars the final lead, and BNL fended off two South Knox possessions to escape with that triumph. Leach had 14 points. Dakota Candler paced the Spartans with 14.
Candler, a 6-5 senior post player, is one of three returning Spartan starters. Senior guards Dylan Maeder and Jackson Thomas are also double-figure threats. South Knox’s only losses have come against ranked opponents (Class A No.7 Loogoootee, 3A No.2 North Daviess and 2A No.6 Brownstown).
“Those are three good teams,” Hein said. “They’re a very good team, no question. They will be hard to handle.”
BNL must shift speeds from Friday night’s explosive clash with Evansville Reitz to the lower-geared foe.
“It’s a complete opposite type of game,” Hein said. “That’s the unique thing about this weekend. Two completely different styles. It’s a good thing because you have to be able to adjust to the style of play, from one game to the next.”
SOUTH KNOX at BNL
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: South Knox 6-3 (at Northeast Dubois on Friday); BNL 4-3 (at Evansville Reitz on Friday)
Sagarin ratings: South Knox 71.07; BNL 76.28
Last meeting: Last year at South Knox, the Stars pulled out a 34-33 victory. Colten Leach had 14 points for BNL, while Dakota Candler had 14 for the Spartans.
Previous game story: Streaking Stars script perfect rally
Game notes: BNL leads the series 3-0, winning the last two games while scoring fewer than 40 points. South Knox’s only losses have come against ranked teams.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Kaedyn Bennett 6-2 Sr.
F – Colten Leach 6-2 Sr.
G – Colton Staggs 6-0 Sr.
G – Trace Rynders 5-9 Jr.
G – Noah Godlevske 5-8 Jr.
South Knox Spartans
F – Dakota Candler 6-5 Sr.
F – Sam Singleton 6-7 So.
G – Jackson Thomas 6-0 Sr.
G – Jackson Hoops 6-0 Sr.
G – Dylan Maeder 6-1 Sr.
