By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Human nature is so predictable. Ever notice, the more you try to ignore something, the more likely you are to look? It’s like telling a child not to touch something. First thing they will do, of course, is touch it.
That exactly describes Bloomington South’s inexplicable, unfathomable winning streak at Bedford North Lawrence’s expense. No matter how hard one tries to look away, and discuss another aspect of this ancient series, it’s impossible. It’s become the unsightly pimple on a teen’s nose. Until removed, it’s the only thing everyone will see.
The Stars will seek to pop a 20-game blight when they journey to South on Friday night. BNL (1-0) hasn’t conquered this nemesis since the 2003-04 season, and the last road win against the Panthers came in 1996. BNL is on its sixth coach since then. South (1-1) still has the same familiar, legendary figure on its bench.
J.R. Holmes has prowled and stomped on the South sideline for 43 years, for 55 seasons total during his record-setting, Hall of Fame career. His state-best win total has hit 912 (and counting), which could be unbreakable when he finally retires the clipboard. His remarkable record includes 31 wins over BNL, although he’s only concerned about the next one. The streak has been a result of talent (the Panthers have won two state championships and were poised to make a run at another when the 2020 postseason was wiped out) and excellence. These Panthers have not been credited for all of them, but they’re definitely capable of adding to the total.
“These kids are only responsible for the one last year,” Holmes said. “We’re only worried about getting the second one.”
South started with an 89-54 victory over Indianapolis HomeSchool, then dropped a tough 75-73 decision at New Albany last week. The Panthers rallied from a huge fourth-quarter deficit against the Bulldogs, hitting five treys during a furious comeback, and had a shot in the air to take the lead in the final minute.
“I was discouraged that we got down,” Holmes said. “But I encouraged that we were able to come back and have a chance to win.”
South’s lineup will feature familiar names. Senior wing Vince Moutardier, who briefly began his career at BNL, averages 21.5 points per game, and senior guard Cruz Sanchez (another former BNL teammate) runs the point. Other scoring weapons include senior Tucker Simpson (who’s totaling 13.0 despite a minutes limitation while recovering from injury) and 6-6 sophomore Duncan Combs (13 at New Albany).
That’s the first thing BNL coach Kurt Godlevske noticed. BNL’s defense will be tested, or exposed.
“My biggest concern is, can we defend them?” Godlevske said. “They play at a much faster pace than they did last year, they’re more mature and experienced. So we need to stay in front of them.
“It presents a different challenge from the first game (a 49-38 win over Bloomington North), because of how South plays with their physical nature. We have to show we can compete, handle our own and stay disciplined enough to play with them.”
BNL will counter with its senior-dominated attack of Patric Matson (17 points in the win over North), Quincy Pickett (8 points) and Logan Miracle (8).
South won last year’s clash 43-36, holding the Stars scoreless during the final 3:35 to pull away. Moutardier hit big shots during the final surge and totaled 18 points. Matson had 17 and Noah Godlevske added 14, but only three Stars scored. They will have to find more options.
“We’re more polished than we were last year offensively,” Godlevske said.
BNL has been idle since the North win on Nov. 26.
“We’ve had some tough practices,” Godlevske said. “We’ve had some where we looked like we were ready to play and done with practice. It’s been good for us, because we’ve cleaned some things up from the first game. Hopefully that will have an impact.”
Another amazing stat regarding the streak: South has won those 20 by an average of 17.7 points, and only five games have ended with a single-digit difference.
BNL at BLOOMINGTON SOUTH
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 1-0; Bloomington South 1-1
Series: Bloomington South leads 36-26
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Panthers held BNL scoreless during the final 3:35 to pull out a 43-36 victory. Vince Moutardier had 18 points for South, while Patric Matson totaled 17 points for the Stars.
Previous game story: Holmes, Panthers go home again
Game notes: Bloomington South has won 20 straight games in the series. South coach J.R. Holmes holds the state record for career wins with 912 in 55 seasons, and he’s 31-17 against the Stars. BNL is seeking to sweep the Bloomington schools for the first time since the 1995-96 season. BNL’s last win at South came in 1996.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Dax Short 6-1 Jr.
F – Isaiah Sasser 6-0 Sr.
C – Logan Miracle 6-5 Sr.
G – Patric Matson 6-5 Sr.
G – Quincy Pickett 6-3 Sr.
Bloomington South Panthers
F – Vince Moutardier 6-4 Sr.
F – Duncan Combs 6-6 So.
G – Cruz Sanchez 5-11 Sr.
G – Taye Spears 5-11 Sr.
G – Jack Clark 6-0 Jr.
