By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Driven Axsom, a three-sport standout at Bedford North Lawrence, has been named the school’s male Athlete of the Year by the WBIW.com website.
During his season campaign, Axsom played key roles in football, basketball and track for the Stars.
In football, Axsom totaled 82 tackles as a defensive back, although he was a two-way threat. He caught a touchdown pass on the first play of the game against Jeffersonville. He also caught a TD pass and recovered a fumble in the season opener against Martinsville, caught a TD pass against New Albany, returned a punt for a score against Jennings County, and caught another touchdown against Monrovia. BNL finished the season 8-4.
In basketball, despite not playing the sport since his freshman season, Axsom stepped into a key role as a tough-nosed defensive specialist and finished the season in the starting lineup. He averaged 3.3 points per game (hitting a game-winning free throw against Floyd Central) as the Stars went 6-17. In track, Axsom qualified for the regional in the pole vault, 1600 relay and 300 low hurdles.
Other notable athletes who enjoyed outstanding seasons included Gibson Crane (football, basketball), Dayson Kirby (football, basketball), Cam Gates (football, baseball), Cutler Chastain (football, baseball), Dax Short (football, basketball), Luke Morris (football, track), Jaden Gilbert (football, baseball, track), Tripp Stahl (football, track), Parker Kern (football, basketball), Ben Conner (football, basketball, track), Grady Dalton (football, baseball) and Noah Childers (soccer).
Sammie Nusbaum was named the female Athlete of the Year. The list of the Top 10 stories for the 2025-26 school year will also be announced.
