By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – For the final road test of the regular season, Bedford North Lawrence will make its shortest journey for another high-level challenge with a long-range goal in mind.
The Stars, facing a third consecutive ranked opponent during a closing run of five straight with a roosting place in the polls, will make a quick trip, hoping to beat the incoming winter storm as well as quality competition, to Orleans for a battle with the streaking Bulldogs, ranked No.3 in Class A.
With the starting time moved up as a precaution against the predicted snow-mageddon, BNL is seeking a warm-up win for the fast-approaching Class 4A sectional at New Albany. Orleans, with 10 straight victories while climbing to 16-2, will be another preparation challenge for the state tournament.
“That’s who we want to play,” BNL coach Chase Spreen said. “We want to make sure we play teams that will push us. That gets us ready for the sectional. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Orleans will feature senior wing Callie Alston, one of three upperclassmen to be honored on Senior Day. She’s a do-everything leader averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.3 steals. She is especially effective as the top point of Orleans’ extended zone trap in the halfcourt. Make a mistake, and she’s headed the other way for a layup.
“They mix their defenses up quite a bit, they really look to speed you up,” Spreen said. “Alston is really long at the top, we have to make sure we take care of the basketball around her. She’s so active and long, we have to limit our turnovers. That’s one of the key things, making sure we execute against whatever they run.”
The Bulldogs have other weapons in junior Chelsea Ralph (9.9 points), sophomore Haylee Dille (8.4) and freshman Caleigha Alston (10.4), but its the elder Alston who demands the spotlight.
“Callie has carried a big load, doing a little bit of everything,” Orleans coach Jared Gilbert, a BNL alum, said. “She also has the experience. She’s been more assertive, having the attitude of going to get it done, whatever it takes. She’s been getting most of the attention every game, but she finds different ways of scoring.”
Alston was a factor during the Orleans trip to BNL Fieldhouse last year, scoring 12 points. But the Stars recovered from a slow start on that Senior Day for a 48-42 victory. Tori Nikirk led BNL with 13 points, Katie Godlevske had 12 and Miley Sherrill added 11. Savannah Russell had 11 points for Orleans, which struggled in the middle quarters (9 points in 16 minutes) and totaled 25 turnovers.
Orleans must now contend with the triple-threat options of BNL’s Sherrill, Sammie Nusbuam and Trinidy Bailey, all of them averaging 11 points per game.
“There’s not any weakness,” Gilbert said. “You have to guard them all. They’ve shown, when they’re hitting shots, they can be really good. And they defend well, they’re hard to score against. That’s what got my attention more than anything. They’ve dangerous when they’re hitting.”
That’s been BNL’s issue, making shots on a consistent basis. The Stars shoot under 40 percent as a team and only 32 percent from long range. BNL has faced extended zones during the last two games, so it’s practiced at handling the ball pressure and finding shots. Converting them is another problem.
”Zone offense is about spacing and taking care of the ball, being decisive,” Spreen said. “We’ve done a much better job of moving the ball. Now the big thing we’re focused on is finishing. We have to finish those possessions. It’s hard to get on a kid about making their layups, they want to make them as much as you. It’s just a focus thing, not speeding yourself up.”
Orleans, which has not lost since Dec. 13, is looking to maintain its momentum as it looks ahead to the Class A sectional at North Daviess. The Bulldogs went 18-6 a year ago but lost in the sectional final. They believe they’re primed for another title, ready to add to the lone championship from 2016.
”Even though we have some new faces, it’s the winning attitude they’ve had over the last couple of years,” Gilbert said. “They expect to win. They’ve accepted their roles and learned as we’ve gone along. Everyone has gotten more comfortable and doing what they do well.”
Both teams will learn their sectional fate when the IHSAA announces the pairings on Sunday.
BNL at ORLEANS
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 15-6; Orleans 16-2, ranked No.3 in Class A
Sagarin ratings: BNL 74.40; Orleans 76.84
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars recorded a 48-42 victory. Tori Nikirk had 13 points and Katie Godlevske added 12 for BNL. Callie Alston had 12 points for Orleans, which was guilty of 25 turnovers.
Previous game story: Goodbye, farewell, amen for Stars
Game notes: Orleans coach Jared Gilbert played for BNL, playing a key role for the 1995 team that went undefeated before falling to Jeffersonville in semistate final. BNL is making its first trip to Orleans.
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.
Orleans Bulldogs
F – Callie Alston 5-9 Sr.
F – Caleigha Alston 5-9 Fr.
G – Haylee Dille 5-7 So.
G – Chelsea Ralph 5-8 Jr.
G – Hallie Wolfe 5-6 Jr.
