By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Size isn’t everything, but with Brownsburg, it’s just about the only thing.
With a super-size center towering above everyone on Bedford North Lawrence’s yardstick-challenged roster, with obvious height advantages at every position, the Stars will face a huge obstacle when they visit Class 4A No.10 Brownsburg on Saturday afternoon.
All eyes will be on senior Purdue recruit Avery Gordon, an All-State and Miss Basketball candidate who stands out in multiple ways. That’s understandable, overlooking a 6-foot-6 superstar is impossible. The problem for the Stars is dealing with Gordon’s presence in the post, and covering the talent surrounding her.
Gordon averages 19.4 points and 8.5 rebounds. When defenses collapse and swarm on her, which they inevitably will, she has capable passing targets with senior Elle McCullough (11.3 points, with 27 treys) and senior Morgan Montgomery (6.6).
“It’s going to be a completely different game than we have played all season,” BNL coach Greg Burton said. “Gordon is going to be a load, she’s really good. She’s going to Purdue for a reason. But they have pieces around her that make them good and make her better. They shoot the ball well. So it will be a huge challenge for us. We’ll do our best.”
The Bulldogs already own impressive wins over BNL opponents Mooresville (62-19) and Columbus North (the preseason scrimmage foe for the Stars). Their lone losses came during Top 10 battles with No.9 Plainfield and No.2 Hamilton Southeastern.
Gordon is well schooled in using her height, keeping the ball high above the gnats at her feet. Once she gets it inside, the Stars will be in trouble.
“We have to do multiple things,” Burton said. “We have to attack their guards and make it hard for them to get her the ball. But she has to guard us, too. We have to take advantage of that and put pressure on them on that end.”
BNL will counter with sophomore Miley Sherrill (11.6) and a cast of capable threats. The Stars are coming off a quality win over Seymour, when balance was the formula for offensive success that has been elusive. Sherrill had 16 points, Jordynn Blann had 10, and Trinidy Bailey totaled 9 points and 10 boards. BNL hit a season-high 9 shots from deep.
Last year at BNL, the Stars prevailed 46-42. Chloe Spreen had 24 points, while Gordon recorded 18 points and 8 boards. The Stars, who are playing their fourth game in a week, have won five of the six meetings in the series.
BNL at BROWNSBURG
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Records: BNL 4-5; Brownsburg 8-2, ranked No.10 in Class 4A
Sagarin ratings: BNL 79.77; Brownsburg 93.54
Last meeting: Last year at BNL, the Stars posted a 46-42 victory. Chloe Spreen had 24 points for BNL, while Avery Gordon had 18 points and 8 rebounds for the Bulldogs.
Previous game story: Stars step away from long shadow
Game notes: BNL has won five of the six previous meetings. First-year Brownsburg coach Josh Sabol guided Franklin to a regional championship win over BNL in 2022.
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.
Brownsburg Bulldogs
F – Elle McCullough 5-11 Jr.
F – Bri Brown 5-10 So.
C – Avery Gordon 6-6 Sr.
G – Delaney Steers 5-10 Sr.
G – Morgan Montgomery 5-9 Sr.
