By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Trial by fire, an intense experience to test skills, character and endurance, is a valuable asset in crisis management. Bedford North Lawrence survived such an ordeal during its latest triumph. It’s now banked for future reference, in case a similar circumstance arises again.
Overtime is four minutes of a torture chamber. The value of each possession is magnified. Execution and decision making is exposed. BNL has not been tested that often under that pressure, in part because of its incredible success. So when the Stars were pushed to perform under those conditions, for only the fourth time in eight years, they were pleased with the response and outcome.
BNL’s road win over Indian Creek, a 56-53 victory that represented the program’s first win in extra time since the 2018 sectional classic with Jeffersonville, could prove invaluable. The Stars (13-5) face some challenges ahead. They now know what it takes to prevail in those extreme episodes.
“In a high-pressure situation, you can’t simulate those type of things,” BNL coach Chase Spreen said. “I thought our kids responded really well. They could have been shaken and folded up, but they swelled up and figured out a way to win it. That’s a tough team for us to beat. This game is about matchups, and they were tough for us to match up with. We’re proud of the girls for pulling that one out. That’s not a game a lot teams can figure out a way to win on the road.”
“Those types of games and experiences can get you ready for the sectional. When you go into a sectional format like we have, where it will be competitive top to bottom, you have to be ready to go. If you haven’t had that experience, it can be rough to learn on the fly. I’m glad we went through it.”
BNL will now return home, for only the sixth time this season, to renew its quest for the Hoosier Hills Conference title. The Stars (3-1 in the league) will clash with Columbus East on Tuesday night.
East (5-12 overall, 0-3 in the conference) has dropped from Olympus since winning back-to-back HHC titles in 2021 and ‘22. The Olympians have lost 10 straight league games following their heartbreaking 44-43 loss at Seymour last week. The Owls converted a last-second shot while adding to the East woes.
But that doesn’t mean the Stars will overlook their next obstacle. If BNL wants a chance to earn at least a share of the league crown, it must win the rest of its conference clashes and count on outside help against frontrunner Jennings County.
”We’re focused, we know the importance of playing a conference team and protecting the home floor,” Spreen said. “We want to seize every opportunity and perform at a high level. You won’t always play your best, but you figure out ways to win. Regardless of who it is, you have to be ready from the start.
”We see this as an opportunity to get better and take another step toward a conference championship. We need some help, with someone to beat Jennings, but we’re just focused on who is in front of us.”
BNL has won three straight in the series, including last year’s 45-32 victory at East. Miley Sherrill paced the Stars to that win with 17 points, and BNL raced away to a 31-11 lead at the half before coasting to the finish.
The Stars are still paced by the triple-threat attack of Miley Sherrill (11.4 after totaling 18 at Indian Creek), Trinidy Bailey (11.6) and Sammie Nusbaum (11.5).
COLUMBUS EAST at BNL
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: Columbus East 5-12 (0-3 in HHC); BNL 13-5 (3-1 in HHC)
Sagarin ratings: Columbus East 60.79; BNL 76.92
Last meeting: Last year at East, BNL ended a seven-game losing streak with a 45-32 victory. Miley Sherrill had 17 points for the Stars, while Kimberley Carothers scored 14 points for the Olympians.
Previous game story: Stars spell relief with a W
Game notes: East has lost 10 consecutive conference games. BNL has won three straight games in the series. The Stars have failed to reach 40 points in four of their five losses.
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 Jr.
Columbus East Olympians
F – Lola Watkins 5-8 Jr.
F – Hayden Meek 5-10 Fr.
G – Brelyn Pool 5-8 Sr.
G – Makenzie Cheek 5-7 Sr.
G – Ella Anthis 5-8 Sr.
