By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Any critic attempting to downplay the importance or relevance of conference scheduling needs to rethink that questionable opinion when examining the Hoosier Hills Conference.
Three of the programs (Bedford North Lawrence, New Albany and Jeffersonville) in the seven-team league have won state championships, with BNL leading that roll call with five. Two others (Columbus East and Seymour) have advanced to the state finals. Talent fluctuates, but on a year-to-year basis, the HHC proves it produces state-level competition. Winning that title is brutally difficult and earned.
The Stars, who have won 22 HHC crowns in program history, will start the quest for another with a road trip to Seymour on Saturday afternoon. It’s also a preview of a possible Class 4A sectional battle, because five of these teams will compete in the same postseason tournament. Nothing breeds respect, and a tinge of contempt, like familiarity.
“It’s pride, it’s important to everybody,” BNL coach Chase Spreen said. “When it’s an HHC opponent, they’re more familiar, there’s the competitive fire that goes along with playing a team that’s part of your conference. At the end of the season, you want to be able to say you’re the best in the conference. This is the first step in doing that.
”It’s as balanced as I remember it being. There are no ‘gimmes.’ It will be an interesting year.”
The unusual league quick this season has been coaching changes, with three first-year mentors. That includes Seymour, which unveils a new coach about as often as Halley’s Comet appearances in the night sky. In the history of the proud program, only Hall of Fame legend Donna Sullivan (1970-2001), Beth DeVinney (2001-12) and Jason Longmeier (2012-25) have worked the sideline in the historic Owls Nest.
Nathan Owen, a former varsity assistant with the Owls, is now No.4 on that short list. Like Sullivan, Owen is an Orleans graduate, and he understands the legacy he inherited.
“It is an honor to get to coach at Seymour and in the HHC,” Owen said. “When you look at girls basketball, Seymour has had many great teams and so many former players have moved on to become a coach. We look forward to seeing our youth grow in skill and to continue what the previous coaches have built here at Seymour.”
He’s off to a solid start at 2-1, with the lone loss to 3A No.1 Silver Creek. The Owls have a veteran cast with four senior starters, led by guard Sophie Skidmore (14.0, including a 30-point performance against Salem in the season opener). Claire Skaggs (9.0, with 20 against Greenwood) and Emmy Munson (8.0) add offensive support.
”Seymour has kids coming back with experience, specifically Skidmore is very talented and a tough cover,” Spreen said. “We have to make sure we limit her as best we can. They play a lot through her and try to get her opportunities. We know they are good defensively. They rotate well, their help is really good. He’s coached them really well on the defensive end.”
The senior class has made the transition to a new coach a smooth one.
”It is really special to have this group of seniors,” Owen said. “The best part has been watching them welcome in and help with the younger players. We will lose seven of our top players after this season, but those relationships, guidance, and just having them around will be the greatest loss.
”We have a lot of our younger players seeing the leadership from our seniors. When it is all said and done, that will be the legacy this senior group leaves. Our strengths are in our communication. When we communicate, we work together on both ends of the court.”
BNL (4-1) will feature its offensive balance with Trinidy Bailey (13.4 plus 4.6 assists), Miley Sherrill (11.4), Sammie Nusbaum (8.6), Jordan Blann (8.4) and Paige Burton (6.6) The Stars have made noticeable improvement in shooting percentages (44 percent overall) and scoring output (53.4).
“Watching BNL, you see the tradition of really tough defense, discipline, and teamwork,” Owen said. “You have to love the way Coach Spreen has them in their roles and working as a unit. I like the way they work to find the right shot, I like the way they don’t get phased by missing a good shot. BNL is in good hands.”
The Stars won last year’s clash 56-41 as Sherrill scored 16 points. Skidmore totaled 16 for the Owls. BNL has won 11 straight in the series.
BNL at SEYMOUR
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 4-1 (0-0 in HHC); Seymour 2-1 (0-0 in HHC), vs Batesville on Friday
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars prevailed 56-41. Miley Sherrill had 16 points while Jordan Blann added 10 for BNL. Sophie Skidmore had 16 points for the Owls.
Previous game story: BNL soars to 56-41 victory
Game notes: BNL has won 11 straight games in the series. Nathan Owen is only the fourth head coach in Seymour’s program history, succeeding Jason Longmeier. BNL, which had won 22 conference championships, is chasing its first HHC title since 2023, while Seymour won its last league crown in 2016.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Sammie Nusbaum 5-10 Jr.
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 Jr.
G – Trinidy Bailey 5-7 Sr.
G – Jordan Blann 5-2 Jr.
G – Paige Burton 5-3 Sr.
Seymour Owls
F – Kelsea Hunsley 5-9 Jr.
F – Emmy Munson 5-9 Sr.
G – Claire Skaggs 5-3 Sr.
G – Abby Otte 5-6 Sr.
G – Sophie Skidmore 5-8 Sr.
