By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Tis the busy season for Bedford North Lawrence. After decking the hall with a jolly, successful debut win in the Hoosier Hills Conference, the Stars will continue their three-game adventure against league (and potential sectional) opponents with a tough road assignment.
BNL (3-4 overall) will travel to Jeffersonville on Tuesday night, looking to take the second step toward the program’s 23rd conference championship. It’s a big step. The Red Devils (5-2, 1-1 in the league) have added firepower to their roster, and any trip to Johnson Arena is always a little dangerous.
The Devils have only one returning starter back from last season, but two transfers and a promising freshman have infused the program with talent. Kelis Dansby, formerly at Rock Creek, leads Jeffersonville in almost every statistical category – 17.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists. Maizy Smith, very familiar with BNL from her time at New Albany, has added size in the front court, and freshman guard Makenna Taylor is contributing 14.6 points.
There’s also the comfort factor with head coach Taylor Sykes, who took over on short notice last season. She’s a former star with the Devils, averaging 12.0 points as a junior and 14.5 as a senior. However, she had the misfortune of facing BNL at its zenith, going 0-7 during her playing career against the Stars (who were in the midst of back-to-back state championships with three Indiana All-Stars on the roster).
“They’re extremely quick, they fly around,” BNL coach Greg Burton said. “That’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
BNL opened league play with a 57-29 triumph over New Albany. Miley Sherrill paced the Stars with 17 points, raising her team-best average to 11.6. Trinidy Bailey (10.5 over the last two games) continues to return to form after struggling through an ankle injury.
“It was great to get the first one,” Burton said. “We have a packed week, three conference and sectional opponents (including Seymour on Thursday) in a row without much practice in between. They’re all important.”
BNL won last year’s clash 54-44 as Chloe Spreen scored 19 points and Tori Nikirk added 13. NIkirk hit two treys during a key 16-4 run in the second quarter. The Stars have won seven straight and 12 of the last 13 in the series with the Devils.
Jeffersonville opened HHC play with a 66-55 win over Jennings County, then suffered a 50-33 loss to undefeated Floyd Central last week.
BNL at JEFFERSONVILLE
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 3-4 (1-0 in HHC); Jeffersonville 5-2 (1-1 in HHC)
Sagarin ratings: BNL 75.07; Jeffersonville 82.06
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars conquered the Devils 54-44. Chloe Spreen had 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Tori Nikirk had 13 points for BNL. Keziah Renee had 15 points for Jeffersonville.
Previous game story: Ugly win still priceless for Stars
Game notes: BNL has won seven straight games in the series. Red Devils head coach Taylor Sykes graduated from Jeffersonville in 2016.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 So.
F – Trinidy Bailey 5-7 Jr.
F – Makaya Jackson 5-8 Sr.
G – Tori Nikirk 5-6 Sr.
G – Jordynn Blann 5-2 So.
Jeffersonville Red Devils
F – Maizy Smith 5-10 Jr.
F – Kiya Boatwright 6-0 Jr.
G – Makenna Taylor 5-7 Fr.
G – Makenzie Mason 5-7 Sr.
G – Kelis Dansby 5-7 Jr.
