By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Satisfaction can be a dangerous, depressing drug. Rather than settling for a medium result that doesn’t require extra effort, the best and most successful remain motivated to achieve. Aim high, take the shot.
In the past, Bedford North Lawrence would have been content with a lesser goal in the IHSAA state tournament series. Advancing to the state championship was an ultimate reward. That perspective has changed. That has become the worst-case acceptable scenario, not the best case. Funny how a trophy and title altered the focus.
The Stars, fresh from a 12th consecutive sectional crown, will defend their regional title when they compete in the IHSAA regional at Country Oaks on Saturday. While qualifying for the state finals remains the honest objective, BNL will be among the top contenders for the top prize when the 15-team field convenes to cull the pretenders from the pack.
BNL won only its second regional crown last year, so it will seek to write another page of history if it can claim back-to-back championships. The top three teams in the event, plus the top three individuals who are not members of qualifying teams, will advance to the state finals at Prairie View on Oct. 4-5.
“It’s a definite goal,” BNL coach Kori Johnston said. “We’re in contention for it, we just have to show up and play our game. It won’t be handed to us, we have to earn it, for sure.”
Multiple challenges exist. First will be No.13 Castle, which fired a sizzling 302 while winning the sectional title at Fendrich in Evansville, and unranked Terre Haute South, which posted 318 at Forest Park Golf Course to claim that sectional. Second will be the predicted weather. The remnants of approaching Hurricane Helene are expected to make the day wet and miserable.
But the Stars have multiple advantages. Three players (Kinleigh Root, lone senior Ellie Horton and Sammie Nusbaum) in the lineup were key figures in last year’s win, and they’ve already played the course twice this season.
“Experience is always a big benefit, and the two freshmen (Emma Endris and Emma Voris) have seemed unfazed by pressure so far,” Johnston said. “It sets up well for us. The rain will be a factor, so the main thing is staying as dry as you can. Everyone has to play the same elements.”
BNL often refers to Country Oaks as its “second home.” And the Stars posted excellent scores there during their previous appearances. Horton fired an even-par 36 as BNL shot 154 on the front nine on Aug. 15, and Nusbaum had a 37 on that side during a victorious nine-hole match on Sept. 10.
“We know the course, we’ve been in that pressure before,” Horton said. “It’s nothing different. We get to play it a lot. I like the fact there’s not too many places on holes where you can be completely wrong.”
Last year, in completely different conditions (dry and hard ground) compared to what is expected, BNL did nothing spectacular, but four players posted scores in the 80s. That depth was the difference. The Stars expect it might take more this time.
“That would be enough to advance,” Johnston said. “To win, we’ll need some lower scores.”
“Last year was last year,” Horton said. “This year is this year. I just need to play the best golf I can.”
BNL is due for its best. The Stars carded a pedestrian score of 340 to win the sectional at Otis Park. Nusbaum was the medalist on a high-scoring day with 82. They are capable of much better.
“I know we can do it if we all put our minds to it,” Root said. “It’s pretty important. We don’t want to be like ‘Oh, let’s make it to state.’ Winning is definitely a big goal, and an achievable goal. We need at least three people to have really good days.
“Experience is the big advantage we have. As long as our swings are on, we should be fine. It gives us more confidence. I know the freshmen have been nervous going into big tournaments, but they like the course, too. As long as we think we can win, we definitely can.”
Castle’s star is senior sensation Ashley Kirkland, a Xavier recruit and two-time state runner-up as an individual. She shot a hot 6-under 64 during the sectional triumph.
BNL, which has made consecutive trips to the state finals, is seeking its 11th state appearance. Mitchell’s Anna Sowders will compete as an individual after finishing second at Otis Park.
IHSAA REGIONAL
Saturday at Country Oaks
Teams
BNL, Seymour, Brownstown, Barr-Reeve, Washington, North Daviess, Castle, Evansville Memorial, Evansville North, Terre Haute South, Terre Haute North, Northview, Jasper, Gibson Southern, Boonville
