By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The June scrimmage sessions can be described as “sneak peeks” for the upcoming season, but Bedford North Lawrence cannot sneak up on anyone. As the defending Class 4A state champion, as a program with unequaled tradition and heritage, the Stars arrive with the fanfare of trumpets and the beating of drums.
This first public look at the 2023-24 campaign was more like a summer blockbuster movie trailer. The main characters are well known, the story has been scripted, the anticipation of a major hit is already creating a buzz. Just see how it plays out.
And this is a sequel. Can that be as good as the original? Godfather 2 was arguably better, so was the third Indiana Jones installment, the Dark Knight, Star Trek’s Wrath of Khan and Top Gun Maverick. If this preview is a true indication, BNL could have another critically-acclaimed award winner.
The Stars, who went 27-3 while winning the program’s fifth state title last season, have some rebooting to do, because graduation claimed three starters – including an Indiana All-Star. However, the new-look lineup certainly resembles the predecessor is many vital ways, and a Miss Basketball candidate will command the spotlight.
With Chloe Spreen, still fresh despite a long week of All-Star appearances, scoring 16 points, with overlooked but quietly sensational Madisyn Bailey vaulting into a starring role and totaling 14, and with the latest freshman addition showing unlimited potential, the Stars conquered Evansville North 56-40 on Monday afternoon.
Of course, it’s still five months until the season opener. A lot can happen in that length of time. Just be advised: don’t think BNL won’t be a state power once again. Even without size (again), the Stars have experience, depth, firepower and talent. They earned good marks from head coach Jeff Allen following their work against the Huskies.
“I thought we played hard, we executed pretty well for this early in the year, and I really like how the kids are playing together with chemistry,” Allen said. “I like the effort, and we still guard pretty well. For a first outing, we did pretty well.”
After a slow start, with North rolling to a 9-3 lead, BNL took off. Bella Jackson scored twice (first off a Bailey steal, then via a Katie Godlevske pass), Bailey drove the lane for a bucket, Tori Nikirk popped a lane jumper and Spreen attacked twice to cap a 12-0 run. From there, the Stars surged to a 15-point lead (32-17 on a Spreen fadeaway) and then closed the third quarter with an 11-0 burst to a 49-28 advantage. Miley Sherrill’s 3-point play in the fourth created the biggest gap (54-31) before Allen went beyond his 8-player rotation in the final minutes.
Here are the points to ponder:
BNL must replace the offensive arsenal and defensive tenacity of four-year star Karsyn Norman, and that could be done by committee. The Stars have ball hawks in Nikirk and Bailey (who might be the best lock-down defender in the realm), they have capable perimeter shooters when the inevitable collapse on Spreen comes.
“Madisyn and Chloe will have to score, and they both understand that,” Allen said. “They know it’s their time. Those two seniors, if they’re in the open floor, they can make something happen.
“Madisyn is as good as any guard in the state. If you surround those two kids with kids that know their roles, play hard and execute, I think we’ll be pretty competitive. We can get after people and get out and run.”
Bailey lurked in the shadows last season, but she showed an immediate change in approach. She launched the first shot, made the first trey, and was aggressive in the paint.
“People will have to step up to score more,” she said. “I will definitely have to step up offensively. We have to make sure we get used to playing together.“
Everyone else played some role in the state championship – except for Sherrill. She could be the X factor, especially when BNL seeks to fill the void left by Mallory Pride in the middle. Like Pride, Sherrill will be playing out of position in the post. Like Pride, she can cause mismatches. She scored 13 points against North.
“She will continue to get better,” Allen said. “She can cause people problems. So we feel like we have the tools to be good.”
Evie Sale had 18 points for the Huskies, who are coming off a 17-7 campaign a year ago.
BNL has more work ahead. On Tuesday afternoon, the Stars will return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse (and all the good vibes from the state title) to scrimmage Bloomington North (2:30 p.m.) prior to the Indiana Fever clash with Washington. Later this weekend, BNL will battle Lawrence North, Zionsville, Homestead and Columbia City in the IBCA Showcase at Fishers, then visit Center Grove for its final scrimmage on June 20.
BNL 56, EVANSVILLE NORTH 40
BNL – Madisyn Bailey 14, Bella Jackson 4, Tori Nikirk 4, Chloe Spreen 16, Miley Sherrill 13, Katie Godlevske 3, Trinity Schmeichel 2
Evansville North – Evie Sale 18, Blue Blythe 10, Maddy Walters 1, Azaria Finn 8, Brooke Silva 3
