By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Chloe Spreen is officially destined for her new sweet home.
Bedford North Lawrence’s super senior, a leading candidate for Miss Basketball, signed her coveted autograph on the national letter of intent with the University of Alabama on Wednesday afternoon. After verbally committing to that Southeastern Conference program in April, she never wavered from her choice. Her signature confirmed what her mind and heart already knew.
“There’s no going back now – not that I wanted to go back,” Spreen said. “No second thoughts at all. They have supported me throughout my journey, through the summer and the start of the season. They’ve continued to show me the same energy. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff, and I haven’t had any doubts.
“I’m really excited. I’ve chosen the right school, I’ve been 100-percent committed.”
Alabama won a recruiting battle with several Div. I programs for Spreen, who was a key catalyst for the Stars during the drive to the 2023 Class 4A state championship. She averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists as BNL capped a 27-3 campaign with the fifth state title in program history. Spreen was named an Indiana Junior All-Star and the state’s Player of the Year by Maxpreps, and she was a Supreme 15 All-State selection.
She already ranks fifth on the school’s career scoring list (now with 1,407 points after BNL’s 2-0 start to the current season). Her level of play has jumped (she has averaged 24.5 points and 8.5 rebounds thus far) since the stress of her decision was lifted.
“That recruiting period is a tough time for a lot of kids, especially when you have the success Chloe has had,” BNL coach Jeff Allen said. “She had a lot of options, and it can be stressful. I’m glad she’s made the decision, and it’s a really good fit for her.
“A lot of kids struggle with telling people ‘No.’ It bothers some kids. She’s been more relaxed.”
Alabama went 20-11 last year under head coach Kristy Curry, falling to Baylor in the NCAA Tournament. The Tide opened this season with a 93-39 blowout of Alabama State.
Spreen, who plans to major in business, has already made improvements to her game (she was 3 for 3 from long range against Bloomington North on Tuesday night) while maintaining focus on this season and BNL’s title defense. Her goal has been to become the best leader possible.
“I’ve been taught to be a leader, working hard,” Spreen said. “It’s pretty easy with this group. You don’t always get teams like that, and get to lead like that in a positive way. BNL is a great place. Being a leader has taught me so much. The team is there for me as I try to become a leader, and it’s something you grow at over time. All those girls (since she entered the program as a freshman) have helped me along, it’s taught me a lot.”
“She’s more vocal,” Allen said. “Leading by example, the work ethic in practice. Even if it’s a routine drill, she goes hard.
“She’s really starting to play to what she’s capable of. Her next four years of college will be eye opening for how good she can actually be.”
