By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – What a difference a year can make. Bedford North Lawrence is counting on that.
After absorbing tough losses and lessons, the Stars return the bulk of their lineup – including a top-heavy senior class that is expected to dominate the starting positions – for a revenge tour in 2025. Coming off a 4-17 campaign, BNL is poised for much better results.
With some minor shifting of personnel, BNL coach Ian Dillman has his lineup card ready.
“You can tell the difference from last year to this year,” he said. “It’s how much we’ve grown. Things have fallen into place more than they did last year. I have a good understanding of who will play together in doubles, where people will play in singles. I just need it to solidify.”
Both doubles tandems will be stabilized by seniors. Orion Hill and Micah Carter will be forming the top duo, while classmates Wyatt Corbin and Braxton Fugate have been penciled into the second spot.
In singles, Neal Patel will make the switch from doubles, while Jackson Corey and Asher Thompson return with varsity experience. They could get pushed by freshman Aden Ralston in the battle for court time.
“I’m excited,” Hill said. “I think it will be fun, we have a good lineup going. We have a lot of experience back, and some guys stepping up.”
Experience could play a big role in a turnaround. Last year, the Stars lost seven matches by a 3-2 count. That means just one match reversal would make the difference between a tough year and an outstanding record.
“We need to see some success, and we can go from there,” Dillman said. “We want to take it to some teams. I just want to keep growing every year. I know our record wasn’t the best, so we would like to double that win mark. I can see us doing well, if we keep our heads on our shoulders and go after it, 100-percent effort every day. When we lose focus, that’s when our downfall will happen.”
“It’s staying at it, going for every ball,” Hill said. “We need to focus on cheering each other, when you get off the court, keep other people in it. Our mental game struggles, so we can work on that.”
BNL will open the season on Aug. 18, hosting Northeast Dubois.
