By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Literally and physically, Bedford North Lawrence is about to face its biggest challenge.
The No.7 Stars have grown accustomed to size disadvantages against almost every opponent thus far, but nothing they’ve faced quite compares to Brownsburg 6-6 junior center Avery Gordon, who will command everyone’s scrutiny when the Bulldogs visit BNL Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
Gordon, a Purdue recruit, is on another level. She’s averaging 26.4 points (fifth in the state in scoring) and 11.9 rebounds (eighth in the state) as the center of attention for Brownsburg (5-5), which is looking to stop some recent slippage after losing four of its last five games. Gordon is certainly capable of powering the Bulldogs out of their slump, although she’s going to be up to her armpits – again, literally and physically – in BNL defenders.
“We have to guard by committee,” BNL coach Jeff Allen said. “It takes hoards and hoards of Lady Stars. We’ll keep running people at her. We have to have great help, and put pressure on the passer to make it difficult to get her the ball. Once she gets it, she’s so big and has really good hands, there’s not much you can do.”
Once Gordon gets possession in the paint, she’s a powerful weapon.
“Her confidence continues to grow,” Brownsburg coach Debbie Smiley said. “She demands the ball and wants to be our primary player.”
Last year at Brownsburg, Gordon had 20 points and 9 rebounds against the Stars, who countered with Karsyn Norman’s 23 points during a 59-43 win. BNL went on an 18-2 run in the third quarter, and the Bulldogs were guilty of 18 turnovers (compared to BNL’s three).
“We did the best we could on her,” Allen said. “We’ll try to do that again and make it really difficult for everybody else. We’ll try to play fast. They’ll be formidable. We’ll have to play well.”
The Stars (9-1 following Thursday’s win at Seymour) will counter the Gordon post strength with the court speed of Chloe Spreen (averaging 22.5 points and 6.7 rebounds as a leading Miss Basketball contender), Madisyn Bailey (11.7 points, 5.1 assists) and freshman Miley Sherrill (9.8 points, 4.1 boards).
“BNL starters have good basketball IQs,” Smiley said. “They are disciplined and well coached.”
Allen’s obvious point of emphasis will be rebounding. The smaller Stars have only outrebounded four foes thus far, but only Bloomington South (a 41-18 edge) has hurt them in that category. Allen will settle for a stalemate on the glass.
“If we come out even on the boards, I believe we will win, because of the other things we do well,” Allen said. “I’ve preached that all season. We’re still missing a little bit of an edge, because we have kids who are still unsure.”
Gordon missed two games (including the Sneakers for Santa Showcase event) while wearing a walking boot, but she came back last week against Franklin Central (a 57-51 road loss).
BNL will also be staging its annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser.
BROWNSBURG at BNL
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: Brownsburg 5-5; BNL 9-1, ranked No.7 in Class 4A
Sagarin ratings: Brownsburg 83.41; BNL 89.96
Last meeting: Last year at Brownsburg, Karsyn Norman scored 23 points as the Stars prevailed 59-43. Chloe Spreen added 14 points for BNL. Avery Gordon had 20 points for the Bulldogs, who had 18 turnovers. BNL went on an 18-2 run in the third quarter.
Previous game story: Norman bombs power BNL
Game notes: BNL leads the series 4-1. Brownsburg coach Debbie Smiley, who owns 270 career wins in 21 season, coached the Indiana All-Stars in 2019, when BNL’s Jorie Allen was Miss Basketball.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Chloe Spreen 5-10 Sr.
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 Fr.
G – Madisyn Bailey 5-9 Sr.
G – Trinidy Bailey 5-7 So.
G – Tori Nikirk 5-6 Jr.
Brownsburg Bulldogs
F – Delaney Steers 5-10 Jr.
C – Avery Gordon 6-6 Jr.
G – Emma Hendricks 5-8 Sr.
G – Elle McCullough 5-9 So.
G – Macy Twomey 5-7 Sr.
