By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – For the first time since its first state championship season, Bedford North Lawrence will revive a dormant rivalry with a close neighbor.
The Stars, cruising through first third of the regular season at 5-1, will make a short journey to a big challenge when BNL visits Class 2A No.5 Brownstown on Tuesday night. The last time the teams collided was during the 1982-83 campaign, the foundation season for BNL’s rise to a place among the state elite.
Brownstown has been a strong program this century, with two semistate titles (the last in 2024) and four regional crowns (of its six total). The Braves (5-1) are coming off a 22-6 season that included a regional title, and they have plenty of returning talent.
The scoring leader is senior guard Harley Toppe, who torched Mitchell for eight 3-pointers and 28 points. The most dangerous all-around talent is senior Sophie Mischmeier, a consistent double-figure scorer. Claire Brock, a 6-1 center, anchors the interior.
”They have really athletic guards,” BNL coach Chase Spreen said. “Wischmeier has a lot of length and athleticism that we have to try our best to contain. They have kids around her to make shots.”
Brownstown’s trademark is its 1-3-1 zone defense. The Braves are allowing only 34 points per game, and that’s after Class No.1 Borden conquered Brownstown 46-33 (the most points by an opponent this season) on Saturday.
“They’re the first we’ve seen that’s a predominant zone team,” Spreen said. “I’m anxious to get ready for it. The girls know what we have to do. We have to be a much better passing team. If we take care of the basketball, we can get some open looks against it. If we knock it down, I like our chances.“
BNL will counter with its balanced attack of senior wing Trinidy Bailey (13.2), Sammie Nusbaum (10.7 after a career-high 21 at Seymour) and Miley Sherrill (10.0). BNL has been solid on both ends, allowing only 38.2 points per game, but Seymour’s 31-20 rebounding advantage on Saturday raised a red flag.
“We have to do a much better job of rebounding,” Spreen said. “We have to locate people. One game we do a good job of being physical, then we let Seymour push us around. We have to fight through that. Rebounding and the defensive end have to be our constants.
”We’re doing a good job in the halfcourt. We’re containing people, forcing teams into difficult shots. The biggest thing is finishing the possession.”
BNL at BROWNSTOWN
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 5-1; Brownstown 5-1, ranked No.5 in Class 2A
Sagarin ratings: BNL 75.61; Brownstown 79.34
Last meeting: BNL prevailed 81-41 during the 1982-83 season
Game notes: Brownstown advanced to the 2A state finals in 2024, falling to Fort Wayne Luers. BNL leads the series 8-0. The Braves went 4-0 against 4A opponents last season.
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.
Brownstown Braves
F – Sophie Wischmeier 5-9 Sr.
F – Hailey Hobson 5-9 Sr.
C – Claire Brock 6-1 Jr.
G – Jada Miller 5-6 Sr.
G – Harley Toppe 5-7 Sr.
