By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Boots are made for walkin’? Not this one, even though that’s what it’s called. Not the protective medical device currently modeled by Chloe Spreen. Definitely not made for running, jumping or scoring, which is what Spreen does best.
Spreen, Bedford North Lawrence’s deluxe junior scoring leader, remains questionable as the No.7 Stars prepare for a Saturday afternoon matinee date with dangerous Castle. After suffering a sprained right ankle during Monday’s practice and missing the next night’s victory over Jennings County, her status is still day-to-day (aren’t we all?) as she recovers from the annoying, painful injury.
Her final status will be a game-time decision as BNL (15-3) faces another tough test without its scoring leader. The Stars, after some early angst, passed the first short-handed challenge with the win over the Panthers, but Spreen’s continued absence will put more stress on BNL’s offense as they face one of the best defensive teams in Southern Indiana.
The Knights (10-7) have always been a thorn for the Stars. Even with a younger, less experienced roster this season, Castle will make it tough on BNL, especially with Spreen either hobbled or sidelined.
“They’ll definitely come in here and play extremely hard,” BNL coach Jeff Allen said. “We know that. That’s their mantra. They’ll get after you, play physical, play great man-to-man defense. Coach (Bob) Meier does a really good job of getting his kids to play hard. We respect that. We’ll have to meet that type of intensity.”
Castle, with only one returning starter from last year’s sectional champion, is going through some expected growing pains with sisters Jordan (a sophomore averaging 11.2 points) and Jayden (a freshman totaling 11.1) Scott leading the attack. Senior guard Devyn Barton (9.4) has the history. At one point, the Knights lost five of six games.
“Our approach is no different this year than in the past, it’s about the process of trying to play our best basketball as we approach the sectional,” Meier said. “We are younger than we have been, but our youth have played a lot of basketball and continues to buy in to what it takes to achieve consistent success. Combining their growth with our veterans, we feel we can be competitive when postseason play begins. Our seniors have done a great job with positive leadership. We feel our best basketball is still ahead of us.”
With Spreen (20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds) at full speed, the Stars have one of the more potent attacks in the state (ninth in scoring at 62.7 per game). Filling her obvious void will be difficult, although BNL certainly came through during the 52-39 win over Jennings. Karsyn Norman (16.2) carried a lot of that load with 23 points, but it was BNL’s defense and execution (only three turnovers) that did the best work.
“I’ve challenged the kids to come out with the same kind of intensity we had on the defensive end against Jennings,” Allen said. “From a team standpoint, Chloe’s absence made us stronger. You don’t like to do it that way, but that’s the way life is sometimes. You have to improvise and adapt, overcome. We’ve got some pieces that we like to put out there if we have to.
“They like to drive the ball. For us, it will be important to keep them in front of us. It will be a little bit of youth against experience. We feel we have experience and we’re at home.”
“As far as BNL, they have another solid team with ladies that have a lot of experience and pride,” Meier said. “Obviously, Norman and Spreen demand a lot of attention, but if the sole focus is on them, they have excellent role players in (Madisyn) Bailey, (Mallory) Pride, (Emma) Brown that will hurt you, which is why BNL is a tough team and one that could make some noise in the state tournament.
“As always, this game will be a litmus test for where we are in our development. Coach Allen and his staff do a great job of preparation, so we have to make sure we do our best to compete for 32 minutes.”
BNL conquered Castle twice last season, squeezing out a 47-43 win during the regular-season clash at Castle, then backing that up with a 53-44 triumph in the regional semifinal. Spreen had 23 points and Norman added 16 during that latter win.
Castle prepared for its trip to BNL with a 61-56 win over Evansville Reitz on Thursday night, with Kenzie Holderfield totaling 14 points and Barton adding 13. The Knight have now won three straight.
CASTLE at BNL
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Records: Castle 9-7; BNL 15-3, ranked No.7 in Class 4A
Sagarin ratings: Castle 77.18; BNL 105.77
Last meeting: BNL swept two games from the Knights last season, winning the regular-season clash 47-43 at Castle before posting a 53-44 victory in the regional semifinal at Columbus.
Previous game story: Stars get tough to conquer Castle
Game notes: BNL has won four straight in the series. Four of Castle’s losses this season have come against out-of-state competition.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Chloe Spreen 5-9 Jr.
F – Mallory Pride 5-8 Sr.
G – Madisyn Bailey 5-8 Jr.
G – Karsyn Norman 5-6 Sr.
G – Emma Brown 5-5 Sr.
Castle Knights
F – Jayden Scott 5-8 Fr.
F – Aleyna Quinn 5-9 Jr.
G – Jordan Scott 5-6 So.
G – Devyn Barton 5-6 Sr.
G – Mackenzie Holderfield 5-6 Sr.
