By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – For only the second time in the last nine years, Bedford North Lawrence is facing an early uphill climb. Losing a season opener doesn’t happen very often in this program, but there’s definitely no logical reason to press the panic button. Grab the rope, axe and carabiners, and begin the ascent.
The Stars will look to gain altitude when they host Bloomington North on Tuesday night. The Cougars have already posted their first victory, so they’ll have the advantage of higher ground as they seek to end a long losing streak in the series. BNL (0-1) has recorded 13 consecutive wins over North, the last 10 by a whopping 42.9 points per game.
North (1-1) started this season with a 42-33 loss to Northview, then rebounded to blast Greenwood 66-22 with a mercy-rule beat down on Saturday. Now the Cougars will go on the road for the first time, looking to add to BNL’s worry and angst.`
BNL’s concern currently centers on the offense. So far, in one scrimmage and one regular-season game, the Stars have struggled to convert shots. That sample size is too small to label that a weakness or trend, but it’s noticeable. BNL was only 10 of 48 during the 45-39 loss to Mooresville on Friday night.
“I know I said, after the scrimmage, we’re good shooters,” first-year BNL coach Greg Burton said. “Hopefully we’ll starting hitting shots. Maybe on Tuesday.”
North’s stress point will be youth. The Cougars have three sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup. How will they hold up against BNL’s expected defensive pressure?
“When you play BNL, you know you are always going to play a well-rounded team,” North coach Kiley Jarrett said. “Even with the coaching change and new players, and players taking on different roles, we will expect this to be a challenging game for our young team.”
North’s main weapons will be freshman guard Kate Lehr (10.5 points per game), senior Ava Robbennolt (11.0 after netting 18 against Greenwood) and 6-0 sophomore Audrey Burton (17 points against Greenwood).
Last season at North, the Stars bolted to a 62-25 win. Chloe Spreen had 27 points and Miley Sherrill added 16, while BNL forced 25 turnovers. Mia Robbennolt paced the Cougars with 11 points.
BLOOMINGTON NORTH at BNL
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: Bloomington North 1-1; BNL 0-1
Last meeting: Last year at North, the Stars cruised to a 62-25 victory. Chloe Spreen scored 27 points and Miley Sherrill added 16 for BNL. Mia Robbennolt had 11 points for North, which was guilty of 25 turnovers.
Previous game story: Near-perfect start for Stars
Game notes: BNL has won 13 straight games in the series, the last 10 by an average of 42.9 points. BNL has not started 0-2 since the 2015-16 season.
Starting lineups
Bloomington North Cougars
F – Audrey Burton 6-0 So.
F – Ashley Stegemoller 5-11 So.
G – Ava Robbennolt 5-6 Sr.
G – Rilynn Williams 5-7 So.
G – Kate Lehr 5-6 Fr.
Bedford NL Stars
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 So.
F – Katie Godlevske 5-6 Sr.
G – Tori Nikirk 5-6 Sr.
G – Trinidy Bailey 5-7 Jr.
G – Paige Burton 5-4 Jr.
