By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Senior Night will be crowded on Damon Bailey Court.
Bedford North Lawrence, in keeping with the ancient tradition, will honor its seniors during the regular-season finale on Thursday night. There are seven players that have survived to the finish line, ready for the time-honored, emotional pregame walk to midcourt with family. However, even though BNL has been accused by the vanquished of playing seven-against-five at home in the past, only a quintet can start when the Stars clash with Jasper. Somebody will have to sacrifice.
That’s the theme of this oversized class. There are stars among these Stars, but most have sacrificed for the collective good of the entire group. They have given the same amount, in terms of time, blood and sweat, for little reward in return. They are the true definition of “role players” who are role models for accepting their assignment, a lost lesson (not surprising but no less disappointing) in today’s society. Playing time is the least of the concerns.
They are a living reminder of Jack Nicholson’s epic rant during the court scene in A Few Good Men: “We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something.” At BNL, those words include dedication, discipline, family. You’ll hear them from these seniors as they describe the life lessons learned in the secondary classroom of basketball.
Patric Matson, Logan Miracle, Quincy Pickett and Isaiah Sasser have been easily-identified starters all season for the Stars (9-11). That leaves Jacob Ritter, Tyler Stigall and Colton Taylor, who have toiled away from the spotlight, to complete the septet. Each was blessed with different talents to comprise this team, all will be equal when they make that walk on their home court for the final time.
Their bond is a love of the game. Their gift back to the sport that have given them so much is the struggle for the common good.
“They have learned, if you do things the right way, you put work in and earn it, that’s the proper way to go about things,” BNL coach Kurt Godlevske said. “If you’re mentally tough and disciplined, you will see success.
“This is a group that provided leadership in the way they taught. That’s been the neatest thing with this group. They helped teach and communicate how we do things, this is what Coach is looking for. That’s a real special quality from a coach’s perspective. They have blended their skill sets, they have played to the strength of their skill sets. We’re going to miss all the different things they bring to the table.”
Most of their skills are on display. Matson is the scoring leader, pouring in 19.9 points per game. Miracle is the post who has developed more each year, now contributing 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds. Pickett is a streaky perimeter shooter, so smooth when he’s hot. Sasser does the blue-collar dirty work that goes overlooked.
The others have to make the most of minutes, and that’s OK. There are no cameras or cheers in practice. They are proud to wear that uniform.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of this team,” Taylor said. “Hearing I had made the team was a great accomplishment. It’s just being the guy who cheers everyone up when they’re down, being there for them.
“I love the game. It’s taught me to stay disciplined. I’ve been hard on myself. Before I came to BNL basketball, I wouldn’t say I was mature. Now I’m dedicated to stuff, and it’s taught me a lot of things outside of basketball.“
“It’s a great group we have, we’re like a big family,” Stigall said. “It teaches you to bond with new people, it can help you when you go on to the next stage of your life. All it is, we make everyone else better on the team. That’s my job.“
Ritter has been the sixth man off the bench, playing with a heart bigger than his stature, injecting energy to make an impact. He comes from a BNL family.
“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, and this is the last time to play on the BNL court. So it will mean a lot,” Ritter said. “It’s taught me to be disciplined, responsible, be the person we are. Everyone has been playing since we were little. We’re a family at this point. We are close.”
Forgotten amidst the celebration for the upperclassmen? Jasper (8-13) would like to win and spoil all this. And the Wildcats are capable, bringing a four-game winning streak into BNL Fieldhouse. They’re physical and talented. The Stars will have to walk a fine line between recognition for the seniors and recognizing what it will take to record a victory. Often those goals do not intersect.
“They’re playing well right now,” Godlevske said. “It will be important to get those players their recognition, for what they’ve helped us accomplish, but at the same time our main goal will be to win.”
The Wildcats will feature Jaylen Manners (14 points per game), Brayden Giesler (11.0) and Jace Foy (10.0) as the main offensive threats.
“Bedford has historically been a very tough place for us to win,” Jasper coach John Goebel said. “They have a great tradition and defend their home court with a lot of pride. We have a lot of respect for them.”
Stigall made it plain what was most important. “Win it,” he said. “Make the season better, go into the sectional on a high note.”
JASPER at BNL
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Records: Jasper 8-13; BNL 9-11
Sagarin ratings: Jasper 71.10; BNL 75.60
Series: Series tied 12-12
Last meeting: Last year at Jasper, the Wildcats roughed up the Stars 58-41. Andrew Noblitt scored 16 points for Jasper, while Patric Matson totaled 16 for the Stars
Previous game story: Road-weary Stars get buffaloed
Game notes: BNL has won six straight Senior Night games. The Wildcats have not won at BNL Fieldhouse since the 2015-16 season.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Colton Taylor 6-0 Sr.
F – Tyler Stigall 5-10 Sr.
C – Logan Miracle 6-5 Sr.
G – Patric Matson 6-5 Sr.
G – Jacob Ritter 5-10 Sr.
Jasper Wildcats
F – Brayden Giesler 6-3 Sr.
F – Jaylen Manners 6-4 So.
G – Logan Day 6-1 Jr.
G – Max Bueltel 5-9 Jr.
G – Jace Foy 6-2 Sr.
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