By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawerence will surely face one of the best centers in the state when the Stars make a long journey – worthy of an Airplane flight rather than a bus ride to a different time zone – to Evansville. The task will be keeping Central from calling on Shirley too often.
Dealing with Madalynn Shirley, Central’s star in the post, is no laughing matter. She ranks among the state leaders in scoring and rebounding, she’s already topped 1,000 career points, and she’s only a junior. Looks like BNL picked the wrong week to quit perilous trips.
The Stars (4-10) will seek to end their five-game losing skid on Thursday when they tangle with the dangerous Bears (11-3 and ranked No.6 in Class 3A). Their first priority will be slowing down Shirley, and that’s surely a tall task when the 6-1 force is averaging 25.1 points and 11.6 rebounds.
Shirley, who has verbally committed to the University of Southern Indiana, has been unstoppable. She exploded for a career-high 40 points against Avon, totaled 35 against Washington, and she’s been limited to single digits only one time in her last 49 games. That’s a model of consistency.
“She is having an incredible year,” Central coach Dave Alexander said. “She is stronger and still playing with the same efficiency she has the previous two seasons. She has been remarkable and is establishing herself as one of the best players in the state.”
Shirley has a solid supporting cast with senior guard Mya Skelton (12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists) and junior Olivya Hile (8.2 points). But Shirley commands the attention, as she shoots 56 percent from the floor with extended range to the 3-point line. Central also shoots 52 percent as a team, indicating there’s a lot of open looks for teammates when the ball goes inside.
“She’s the real deal,” BNL coach Greg Burton said. “But she’s unique because there’s not many 6-1 kids that are really good inside who also shoot it from three.
“With that being said, I think they are also very well coached. They’re efficient, they play to their strengths. It’s going to be a tough test for us.”
BNL will counter with sophomore Miley Sherrill (10.4 points, 3.9 boards) and a collection of five scorers averaging around 5 points per outing. The issue for the Stars continues to be offensive production (41.3 points per game) and shooting woes (30.2 percent overall, 22.8 percent from distance).
“Sherrill is a player and someone a defense has to focus on,” Alexander said. “They have girls around her who can shoot and have high IQs. Defensively, they guard hard and compete. We expect it to be a dogfight and look forward to the challenge. BNL always has the winning tradition.“
The Stars have won five of the six recent meetings, including last year’s clash in BNL Fieldhouse. Sherrill had 16 points, Chloe Spreen added 10, while Trinidy Bailey and Tori Nikirk totaled 9 each during a 51-39 win. Shirley had 13 points and 11 boards for Central. BNL was guilty of only five turnovers and hit 10 treys.
The varsity contest is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. (Bedford time).
BNL at EVANSVILLE CENTRAL
When: Thursday, 6 p.m.
Records: BNL 4-10; Evansville Central 11-3 (ranked No.6 in Class 3A)
Sagarin rating: BNL 62.58; Evansville Central 95.01
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars prevailed 51-39. Miley Sherrill had 16 points and Chloe Spreen added 10 for BNL, which hit 10 treys. Maddy Shirley had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Bears.
Previous games story: Spreen climbs, Stars shine
Game notes: Central ranks 23rd in the state in scoring at 61.1 points per game. BNL has not lost five straight games since the 2004-05 season.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Miley Sherrill 5-9 So.
F – Makaya Jackson 5-8 Sr.
G – Trinidy Bailey 5-7 Jr.
G – Tori Nikirk 5-6 Sr.
G – Jordynn Blann 5-2 So.
Evansville Central Bears
F – Olivya Hile 5-11 Jr.
C – Maddy Shirley 6-1 Jr.
G – Maddie Glaser 5-7 So.
G – Avery Kelley 5-4 Sr.
G – Mya Skelton 5-7 Sr.
