By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawrence is not often cast in the role of spoiler. The Stars have usually been leading characters in the Hoosier Hills Conference race. And there is a window for BNL to still claim a piece of that grand prize, although it would take a series of unusual events for that scenario.
Three teams currently share the conference lead with 4-1 records, a battle that will conclude this week. Floyd Central is one of that triumvirate, as the Highlanders are chasing their first league title in 15 years. Their last hurdle is BNL.
The Stars (5-13 overall, 3-2 in the HHC) will visit Floyd to wrap up their conference schedule, and get a up-close look at the overwhelming favorite in Sectional 15, on Tuesday night. The Highlanders (15-4 and ranked No.12 in Class 4A) need a win to secure a part of the title, while watching the fate of co-leaders Jennings County and Jeffersonville.
BNL could still claw into the conversation with a win over Floyd, with a Jennings loss at cellar-dwelling Columbus East, plus a Jeffersonville loss at Seymour. Stranger things have happened. The first priority will be taking care of its own business.
Floyd’s strength – height, length and defensive stinginess – play directly against BNL’s weaknesses. The Highlanders, with six-footers Elise Coleman and Nora Gibson, have size inside and wingspan when they extend their zone defense. They’re allowing only 34.9 points per game, which ranks third in the state among 4A teams.
BNL averages only 41.7 points per game, with Miley Sherrill leading the way at 10.6. The Stars, who shoot only 23.5 percent from long range, will have to probe the zone against the Floyd size advantage and find openings.
Last year, BNL conquered Floyd 60-54 as Chloe Spreen, on her way to the Miss Basketball award, exploded for 34 points (one shy of her career high) while Sherrill added 11. Floyd owned a 13-10 lead when Spreen erupted for 19 points in the second quarter, powering the Stars to a double-digit lead. Brinley Clark finished with 17 points and Samara Miller added 16 for Floyd.
Floyd last won the HHC title in 2010 when it shared the top spot with Jeffersonville. BNL has won 22 HHC titles in program history.
BNL at FLOYD CENTRAL
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 5-13 (3-2 in HHC); Floyd Central 15-4 (4-1 in HHC)
Sagarin ratings: BNL 66.47; Floyd Central 81.06
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, Chloe Spreen exploded for 34 points as the Stars fought off the Highlanders 60-54. Miley Sherrill added 11 points for BNL. Brinley Clark scored 17 points and Samara Miller totaled 16 for Floyd.
Previous game story: Spreen the Splendid erupts
Game notes: First-year Floyd coach Jerry Hickey guided Salem to a Class 3A state finals appearance in 2020. He won four sectionals, two regionals and one semistate in 11 years with the Lions. BNL has won 20 of the last 24 meetings in the series.
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.
Floyd Central Highlanders
F – Brinley Clark 5-10 Jr.
C – Nora Gibson 6-2 Sr.
G – Elise Coleman 6-0 Jr.
G – Samara Miller 5-7 Sr.
G – Ava Hausz 5-5 Sr.
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