By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The most expensive crown in the world – estimated worth $57 million – is the headpiece worn by the British monarch. Commissioned in 1661, passed down to 14 different English rulers, it’s the symbol of royal authority and status, surviving old wars and modern controversy.
But is it earned? No, it’s inherited, an accident of birth and bloodline. Where’s the glory and honor in that? Ruling a kingdom should demand a higher price than a birth certificate. That’s why the Hoosier Hills Conference crown is priceless. It requires conquest to acquire.
Bedford North Lawrence is poised at the castle gate. With one more victory, the Stars could earn a piece of the coveted conference championship. The HHC crown was commissioned in 1973, it’s been passed down among seven different programs, it’s the symbol of the elite among one of the state’s tradition-rich leagues. And it’s never bequeathed. It requires victory.
The Stars have gone 12 years since last donning that crown. They could end that dormancy when they welcome New Albany to BNL Fieldhouse on Friday night for a crucial showdown with a king’s prize at stake.
BNL (14-6, 4-1 in the HHC) would have to share the prize with Jennings County and Jeffersonville, both teams having completed league play at 5-1. And that’s fine. Part of the reward is better than none at all. The Stars, who have won 12 HHC titles, will take what they can get.
“Whether it’s co-champs or not, it doesn’t matter,” BNL coach Jeff Hein said. “It’s still conference champs. It’s always a goal. Conference games mean twice as much as other regular-season games. We’ve put ourselves in position, to finish it off at home, but we’ll have to beat a very good team.”
New Albany (9-11, 3-2) has usually been battling for, and often winning, that honor, 17 times in program history, 13 times since Jim Shannon took over as head coach. But as he heads toward the sunset, having announced his retirement following the conclusion of this campaign, he’s cast in the role of spoiler rather than conqueror. To paraphrase Shakespeare, uneasy lies the head that doesn’t wear this crown.
“I don’t like it very well,” Shannon said. “I always like being at the top.”
How did BNL get here? The Stars swept the league, except for a home loss to Jennings County. The No.9 Panthers were in control of the positioning for the title until last week’s loss at Jeffersonville. The Stars needed help, got it, and now must take advantage.
That won’t be easy. New Albany’s record is deceiving. The Bulldogs started hot at 7-1, then lost their mojo with a couple of lopsided losses and a second-half letdown against arch rival Jeffersonville. Now the confidence to win has been replaced by the doubt of losing. The Bulldogs have dropped seven of their last eight.
“Early in the year, we won close games,” Shannon explained. “Now we’re in close games, and we’re not finishing. That’s been about it. Part of it is our schedule has tightened up. We’re playing pretty good teams. We’re not capitalizing at the end of games and finishing strong. Our kids are playing hard. We just need to win a couple of close games. That would put a pep in our step.“
The Bulldogs are still dangerous because of balance. Senior guard Josten Carter, who torched BNL for 24 points last season, leads the way at 11.1, but there’s other available weapons with junior Jeremy Rose (10.9), sophomore Jordan Treat (10.5) and senior Tommy Devine (9.5).
“They have some athletes,” Hein said. “Carter is a heck of an athlete, the two guards have played well, Devine can shoot it from the perimeter. They present problems, there’s no question. We’ll have to play well to give ourselves a chance. And they would love to knock us off.”
BNL was in this position before. The Stars went to New Albany in 2020 with a chance to win a share of the league title and got beat. “These guys,” Hein said, “have a chance to do something.”
That falls on senior Colten Leach (17.5 points), senior Colton Staggs (11.2) and junior Noah Godlevske (10.9) to script some history. Leach had 20 points and 16 rebounds during last year’s 60-48 BNL road win, so he’s going to attract considerable attention.
“They’re guard oriented,” Shannon said. “It starts with Leach, and Staggs is not very far off. Those two create a lot of headaches for people. A lot. Both are very good one-on-one players, Staggs can shoot from anywhere, and Leach is really solid from 15 feet on in and a prolific scorer. You have to deal with those two, then you’ve got Godlevske who’s a dead-eye from three. You can’t leave him. If you help, they’ll make you pay. Really nice ballclub.”
Godlevske (now 55 of 106 from 3-point range this year) is coming off an 18-point night during the win at Evansville North. Leach struggled at North, missing his last 10 shots, although Shannon’s eye roll could be heard when informed of that stat. “That’s wonderful news . . . “ he said, figuring that means Leach will be back to unguardable the next time out. Shannon hasn’t forgotten BNL’s 13-of-16 shooting performance during the second half of last year’s clash.
Both teams also have the postseason in mind. The IHSAA sectional draw is set for Sunday, and momentum is key as a springboard into the state tournament.
“We’re more concerned about our team, how we’re playing, getting some momentum for the tournament,” Shannon said. “We want to finish strong, build momentum and confidence, and we’re running out of games to do that.”
NEW ALBANY at BNL
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: New Albany 9-10 (3-2 in HHC); BNL 14-6 (4-1 in HHC)
Sagarin ratings: New Albany 75.15; BNL 82.90
Last meeting: Last year at New Albany, the Stars powered to a 60-48 victory. Colten Leach had 20 points and 16 rebounds for BNL. Josten Carter had 24 points for the Bulldogs.
Previous game story: Stars ‘man up’ as Leach powers BNL
Game notes: New Albany coach Jim Shannon, who ranks 16th on the all-time coaching list with 614 career wins, has announced his retirement at the end of this season. BNL coach Jeff Hein needs one more victory for his 350th career win.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Kaedyn Bennett 6-2 Sr.
F – Colten Leach 6-2 Sr.
G – Colton Staggs 6-0 Sr.
G – Trace Rynders 5-9 Jr.
G – Noah Godlevske 5-8 Jr.
New Albany Bulldogs
F – Tommy Devine 6-2 Sr.
F – Chase Loesch 6-6 Jr.
G – Jordan Treat 6-0 So.
G – Josten Carter 6-4 Sr.
G – Jeremy Rose 6-1 Jr.
