By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Love will definitely not be in the air when Bedford North Lawrence makes it third and final road trip to Evansville.
The Stars, coming off a loss to 2A No.6 Brownstown that ended their seven-game winning streak, will journey to Evansville North on Tuesday night, and what a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but with the BNL girls basketball team on its way to a two-game semistate, this contest got moved forward. Rather than flowers and candy, BNL hopes to get the gift that keeps on giving – a victory to restart a streak toward the postseason.
Despite the setback to the Braves, BNL (13-6) is still on an impressive run, with nine wins in the last 11 games. That one-point, last-possession loss to Brownstown was a stinger, but not a season wrecker.
“Not at all. The kids are not happy that we lost, we wanted to win,” BNL coach Jeff Hein said. “But it won’t affect our momentum at all.”
The Huskies (6-13) got headed in the right direction with a 67-62 win over Evansville Central last week. North will feature junior point guard Brayden Huebner (17.7 points, 3.1 assists), junior forward Cayden Gehlhausen (11.9 points, 9.3 rebounds) and junior guard Keamare Barnes (11.3).
“It starts with Huebner,” Hein said. “He’s a really nice point guard. He can score. He can shoot, he can drive it and pull up, he’s a really nice passer. He makes good decisions. Gehlhausen (whose brother Cameron now plays at the University of Evansville) has developed into more of a post player. He’s a tough one to defend with his size.
“They’re young, and haven’t won a lot, but they’re getting better. You can see them getting better throughout the year, as young kids do. And it will be tough down there.”
North won last year’s battle at BNL Fieldhouse in double overtime, shooting 65 percent while escaping with an 82-76 triumph. Ryan Caddell hit six treys and totaled 20 points while Cameron Gehlhausen added 17. The Huskies couldn’t contain BNL’s backcourt as Colten Leach exploded for 36 points while Colton Staggs added 22.
Leach (17.8 points, 8.8 boards) continues to lead the way for BNL, while Staggs (10.9) and Noah Godlevske (10.5) have been dangerous threats. Godlevske (49 of 95 from distance this season) will be especially important if North continues to deploy in a zone defense, which has been its preference.
“It’s hard to zone somebody on their own court, because they’re used to shooting there,” Hein said. “But down there, we’ll see if can execute against that.”
The varsity-only contest will start at 7 p.m.
BNL at EVANSVILLE NORTH
When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Records: BNL 13-6; Evansville North 6-13
Sagarin ratings: BNL 82.90; Evansville North 69.25
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Huskies prevailed 82-76 in overtime. Ryan Caddell hit 6 3-pointers and scored 20 points for North. Colten Leach had 36 points and Colton Staggs added 22 for the Stars.
Previous game story: Fortune smiles on Evansville North
Game notes: BNL is making its third road trip to Evansville this season. This is BNL’s first trip to North since the 2006-07 season.
Starting lineups
Bedford NL Stars
F – Kaedyn Bennett 6-2 Sr.
F – Colten Leach 6-2 Sr.
G – Colton Staggs 6-0 Sr.
G – Trace Rynders 5-9 Jr.
G – Noah Godlevske 5-8 Jr.
Evansville North Huskies
F – Cayden Gehlhausen 6-6 Jr.
F – Bryson Chapman 6-3 Fr.
F – Kaleb Harris 6-3 Jr.
G – Brayden Huebner 6-1 Jr.
G – Keamare Barnes 5-11 Jr.
