By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The most hazardous road in the world, referred to as Camino de la Muerte (the Path of Death) in Bolivia, is a 40-mile stretch of doom, featuring a single-lane, unpaved mountain span with sheer drops of 3,000 feet and no guardrails. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Bedford North Lawrence’s first road trip of the season is similar in peril. One wrong turn could end in disaster. The Stars, coming off a successful opener, will journey to Evansville North for a matinee test of courage and skill on Saturday.
The Huskies, who will be making their debut, have everything (speed, shooting and pressure) to make BNL’s trek uncomfortable.
“They will put a lot of pressure on the basketball,” BNL coach Chase Spreen said. “They’re going to be a good basketball team. They have kids that were a problem for us last year, they’re quick and athletic. They will try to speed us up and take it from us. Hopefully we can handle that.”
BNL’s scrimmage against Columbus North revealed that issue, and the Stars had 16 turnovers during the 54-30 triumph over Sullivan on Thursday. That will be the defining statistic. If the Stars can handle those hairpin curves and stay on track, they have the firepower to do damage. They also got their first-game jitters out of the way.
Evansville North will have some nerves to calm, plus it will be unveiling a new system with first-year coach Brad Elliott. He’s a familiar face with the program as a former assistant, but every small change can be a major adjustment.
“I have been lucky to coach my senior and junior classes since they were little, and a few of my girls I was their first basketball coach ever,” Elliott said. “They have really taken leadership and made the adjustments for me with the younger girls. They know how I like to run a practice and the energy I like. They are setting the culture for me. They wanted to set the new tone and culture for the program.”
North returns key veterans from last year’s 9-14 team, including starters Lexi Scott (last year’s scoring leader at 10.5) and Millie Elliott, who scored 9 points against BNL last season. The Stars won that encounter 51-30 as the Huskies struggled to score while hitting only 3 of their first 33 shots. BNL had 17 turnovers that day.
”They will try to get those kids good looks from the perimeter,” Spreen said. “We have to make sure we’re locating everybody. All five are a threat to make a shot. We have to limit penetration and locate kids when we have to help.”
BNL will counter with its experienced senior trio of Miley Sherrill (20 points in the opener), Sammie Nusbaum (13) and Jordynn Blann. Nusbaum had 20 points while Sherrill recorded a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds against the Huskies.
“I expect a lot from BNL,” Elliott said. ”They will be experienced coming off a good year. Sherrill and Nusbaum both had good games against us last year at Bedford. I know the Stars will be prepared. I hope they don’t have the advantage coming off Thursday’s game, there are always first-game nerves and jitters.”
BNL’s last trip to North did not end well as North posted a 51-36 victory during the 2024-25 campaign.
”Any time, especially early in the season when you go on the road for the first time, there’s a little adjustment,” Spreen said. “It will be a hard-fought game, a tough one on the road. It’s one I’m confident we can win, but we will have to really execute and take care of the basketball.”
BNL at EVANSVILLE NORTH
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 1-0; Evansville North 0-0
Coaches: Chase Spreen, 17-8 in second season at BNL; Brad Elliott, 0-0 in first season at Evansville North
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars rolled to a 51-30 victory. Sammie Nusbaum had 20 points while Miley Sherrill had 16 points and 11 rebounds for BNL. Addy Gibson scored 10 points for the Huskies, who hit only 3 of their first 33 shots.
Previous game story: Hot Stars freeze out Huskies
Game notes: Brad Elliott takes over the North program from Tyler Choate, who posted a 158-85 record in 10 seasons while winning two sectional titles.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Sammie Nusbaum 5-10 Sr.
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 Sr.
G – Jordynn Blann 5-2 Sr.
G – Elahdy Ray 5-7 Jr.
G – Caroline Sheldon 5-6 Jr.
Evansville North Huskies
F – Brooke Silva 5-9 Sr.
F – Madelynn Walters 5-9 Sr.
G – Lexi Scott 5-6 Jr.
G – Millie Elliott 5-8 Sr.
G – Gracie Watkins 5-7 Sr.
