By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – According to Bond, James Bond, in Goldfinger, “once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.” Bedford North Lawrence, shaking up its choices and stirring the lineup, is working on the second step in that equation.
Can the Stars only win twice? Seeking its first back-to-back victories in 13 months, BNL will test its defensive improvement when the Stars (5-10) welcome Scottsburg (10-8) to BNL Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
BNL made defense its quantum of solace during the latest triumph, a tough 46-45 win over Floyd Central. Doing that twice for vital victories would be more than coincidence.
“It would be great,” BNL coach Jackson Ryan said. “A big mantra for us has been, was Thursday night (against the Highlanders) just an appearance, or was it our arrival? Is this really us? Are we finally going to do everything we are supposed to do defensively and continue to grow, keep this possession by possession? Or are we back to square one? That how we are challenging our guys.”
That’s a lot of questions. Here’s the short answer.
The Stars were allowing opponents to shoot a ghastly 50 percent from the floor during the first 14 games. That trend definitely required enemy action. The Highlanders were a more acceptable 17 of 40 (only 4 of 15 from long range) and BNL forced 14 turnovers. That needs to be repeated.
The Warriors will be difficult to contain. They average 61.6 points per game, they’ve gone over 70 five times, and they’re coming off a record-setting performance against South Central (18 treys during a 94-56 blowout triumph). That’s the most points for Scottsburg since burning Eastern Pekin for 109 during the 2018-19 campaign.
“Coach (Eric) Richardson is one of the brightest offensive minds in the southern half of the state,” Ryan said. “They do a phenomenal job of player development. Everyone they put on the floor is able to shoot, pass and dribble. They have so many guys who can hurt you in so many ways.
“That’s where the game will be won or lost. Do we let them get going, or do we stuck to our guns? They can score in hurry. When they see a couple go in, especially from the perimeter, they are a dangerous team. They will be tough to beat.”
The Warriors feature multiple weapons in senior Garrett Boling (12.9), 6-5 junior guard Jarin Luttrell (11.6 after exploding for 27 against South Central), freshman Jaxon Owens (8.4) and senior Braden Cox.
BNL’s leaders include Dax Short (13.9), Parker Kern (8.9), Gibson Crane (6.0) and Easton Moore (5.9).
Scottsburg won the last meeting 57-51 two seasons ago. BNL owned a 38-27 lead in the third quarter, but Jack Miller led a comeback for the Warriors with 26 points while Wyatt Zellers added 16. Patric Matson paced the Stars with 22 points.
SCOTTSBURG at BNL
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: Scottsburg 10-8; BNL 5-10
Sagarin ratings: 71.49; BNL 67.31
Series: BNL leads 17-3
Last meeting: During the 2023-24 regular season, the Warriors clipped the Stars 57-51. Jack Miller scored 26 points for Scottsburg, while Patric Matson tallied 22 points for BNL.
Previous game story: Experiment works for Scottsburg
Game notes: Scottsburg won the 2024 Class 3A state championship. BNL’s Damon Bailey set the IHSAA state career scoring record against Scottsburg during the 1990 regional final at Seymour. Bailey also made his varsity debut at Scottsburg in 1986.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Easton Moore 6-2 So.
F – Gibson Crane 6-3 Sr.
G – Dax Short 6-1 Sr.
G – Parker Kern 6-1 Jr.
G – Driven Axsom 5-8 Sr.
Scottsburg Warriors
F – Garrett Boling 6-3 Sr.
F – Caiden Boswell 6-4 So.
G – Jarin Luttrell 6-5 Jr.
G – Braden Cox 5-9 Jr.
G – Jaxon Owens 5-10 Fr.
